Rafferty Welcomes Rickford In New Post

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty is wishing Greg Rickford well as the new federal Natural Resources minister.

Rafferty says while the news did surprise him, it's good to have a person from northern Ontario in the position.

Rafferty says Rickford will have some big issues to tackle, in particular, the controversy over new oil pipelines through the country.

Stroke Forum In Thunder Bay

Health care providers across the northwest are gathering in Thunder Bay for a regional stroke forum.

They'll be learning from stroke neurologists about the latest practice recommendations.

Regional Stroke Educator Elaine Edwards says they'll be unveiling a new process for hospital emergency rooms.

Edwards notes that people should make themselves familiar with the signs of a stroke.

New Post For Greg Rickford

A major promotion for Kenora MP Greg Rickford.

He's has been named federal Natural Resources Minister in a Prime Minister Stephen Harper cabinet shuffle.

Rickford replaces Joe Oliver who becomes Finance Minister after Jim Flaherty announced he was stepping down.

Rickford does retain responsibility of FedNor and the Ring of Fire but gives up his Science and Technology portfolio.

Liberals To Cut Red Tape

New legislation out of Queen's Park is proposing to eliminate some of the red tape the province's business community faces.

The Better Business Climate Act would, if passed, help reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens and practices that cost businesses time and money.

It would also force government to report annually on their efforts to make it simpler for companies to do business.

Another Break In at Nestor Falls

There's been another break-in at Nestor Falls.

OPP says this time it happened at Nestor Falls Public School.

Police says sometime during the March break someone entered the school and stole cash and electronics totaling more than four-thousand dollars.

Over the past month, two businesses in the community were also broken into.

City Man Faces New Charges

Thunder Bay Police are charging a 57 year old Thunder Bay man with three counts of sexual interference involving a child under the age of 14.

The alleged incident occurred between 1992 and 1996 at a bible camp in the Kakabeka Falls area.

Donald Miller was convicted of a similar incident in 2003.

He has been released with a court date of this Friday.

New Distracted Driving Fines In Place

The province intends to make them higher, but new fines are now in place for those caught using the cellphones or other electronic devices while driving.

As of Tuesday, the fines for distracted driving increase from $155 to $280.

Transportation Minister Glen Murray introduced legislation earlier this week to bring that fine up to as high as one-thousand dollars.

OPP applaud the increase, calling distracting driving a serious threat to others on the road.

Bottled Water In Use At Rainy River Health Centre

Riverside Health Care Facilities says it's been forced to bring in bottled water to the Rainy River Health Centre.

It's because of a water main break that has occurred close to the hospital site, prompting a boil water advisory to go into effect.

Hospital officials say along with the bottled water, they've also taken precautions in food service preparation and infection control .

Float Plane Program Moves To Kenora

Confederation College has found a new home for it's float plane training program.

It will be now based out of Kenora, partnering with Kenora Air.

The College's aviation chair Paul De Oude says they're ready to go at their new location this spring.

The program was held at Eva Lake near Atikokan last year, but residents complaints forced the College to find a new location.

The Bags Are Back

The Bags are coming Back.

Riverside Foundation For Health Care says its decided to incorporate decorated bags and purses back into its annual spring luncheon fundraiser.

Events Committee chair Janice Cousineau says public demand convinced them to bring them back.


The Foundation is now looking for donations of gently used bags and purses for the May 4th event.

You can call Janice or the Foundation office if you can help out.

More UFO's Being Reported

UFO activity seems to be picking up in Northwestern Ontario.

Chris Rutkowski helps publish an annual sightings report.

He says there were several sighting reported from the Thunder Bay and Kenora area's last year.

More than 13-hundred reports of UFO's were identified across Canada.

Hospitals Seek Fairness

Ontario's hospitals says they're only seeking fairness for all health care professionals as they work toward a contract with the Ontario Nurses Association.

Both sides are awaiting an arbitrator's ruling on the issues of wages.

President of the Ontario Hospital Association Anthony Dale says the bargaining used is that based on agreements they're already signed with other labour groups.

The Nurse's union argues the hospital association wants to cut wages and benefits on the heels of a two-year wage freeze.

Nurses who work in hospital in the Rainy River district are impacted by the labour negotiations.

Greenpeace Continues PR Battle With Resolute

File photo

Greenpeace is continuing it's public relations battle with Resolute Forest Products.

The environmental group unfurled two banners Tuesday morning on the Mount Royal Cross in Montreal.

Greenpeace says the action is part of it's campaign against Resolute's operations in the Boreal Forest.

Concerns Expressed With E-Cigs

Some see it as an alternative to the real thing, but there is a new concern over E-cigarettes.

The Minnesota Poison Control System says it seeing a dramatic rise in the number of children being poisoned by the e-cigarettes liquid nicotine.

The liquid is heated to simulate the effects of a real cigarette.

None of the children were hospitalized or seriously injured, but the State's Health Commissioner Doctor Ed Ehlinger says it high lites the potential risks and the importance of storing e-cigs out of the reach of children.

Colleges Press For 3-Year Degree Programs

Ontario's college are stressing a need for three-year college degrees.

A number of College presidents uses a skill's summit hosted by Premier Kathleen Wynne in Toronto Tuesday to press their case.

Chair of Colleges Ontario David Agnew says allowing three-year degrees would encourage more people to consider a post-secondary program.

Currently, colleges offer four-year degree programs, but can only award diplomas in a three-year program.

Fort Frances Youth Now On The Job In Fort Frances

A Fort Frances youth is now on the job as a page at Queen's Park and was introduced by Speaker of the House Dave Levac Tuesday morning.

Mira Donaldson is a grade 7 student at Robert Moore School who will for the next month deliver messages to MPP's, meet key parliamentarians and learn about Ontario's government.

It's the first time in many years that a youth from the Rainy River district has been selected to serve as a Queen's Park page.

Catholic School Trustees To Consider Stratton School Fate

A small catholic school in the Rainy River district could get a reprieve.

Trustees with the Northwest Catholic District School Board are to discuss tonight whether to keep open Our Lady of the Way School in Stratton.

Just 13 students are enrolled, but administration is asking trustees to postpone their decision, suggesting more time is needed to determine the potential for longer term enrolment growth.

It also suggests taking another look at the accommodation review done of the school in 2017.

Nurses Disappointed by Wage Offer

The Ontario Nurses Association is disappointed by the wage offer put forward by the province's hospitals.

A Ministry of Labour arbitrator heard from both sides over the weekend on the wage issue.

President of the Nurse's Association Linda Haslum-Stroud says the hospitals want to cut nurses' wages and benefits on the heels of a two year wage freeze.

The existing contract for nurses, including those who work in hospitals the Rainy River district, expires at the end of this month.

Fire Investigation Continues

The Ontario Fire Marshall's office and the OPP have wrapped up their investigation, at the scene at least, into last Thursday's motel fire in Fort Frances.

But the exact cause of the blaze at Reid's Voyageur Inn Motel is still not be released.

Meantime, a 39-year-old man who was taken to hospital is now in Thunder Bay.

His condition continues to be monitored.

Higher Fines For Distracted Driving Considered

New legislation to crack down on distracted driving in the province has been introduced at Queen's Park.

The bill proposes to increase the range of fines to between $300 and $1,000 and assign three demerit points against those caught using their cellphone or other electronic devices while driving.

The bill also requires drivers to keep at least one metre away when passing cyclists.

Violence In Treaty 3 Communities Tackled

A new strategy in is place to prevent violence in Treaty 3 communities.

The Green Light initiative was launched in Onigaming First Nation.

Karen Kejick says they need the support of the provincial and federal governments as well as others to put an end to violence.

The green light is a symbol of a community safe house for individuals who are in need of safety in the event of a domestic violence situation.

Surgeons Donate Research Dollars

A group of orthopedic surgeons is donating a total of two million dollars over the next ten years to Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

The money will be used to conduct a variety of orthopedic research projects.

One will look at diabetes patients and the high rate of amputations in northwestern Ontario.

NDP Offers Job Creating Incentive Plan

Ontario's New Democrats want to reward businesses and companies who create new jobs.

Leader Andrea Horwath is proposing a new job creation tax credit that would reimburse employers 10 per cent of a new workers salaries in their first year.

Horwath says it's a simple step that would get people working now.

Former Rainy River CEO Get New Post

The former president and Chief Executive Officer of Rainy River Resources has a new post.

Raymond Threlkeld has been named chairman of the board for Newmarket Gold.

Threlkeld was with Rainy River Resources prior it being acquired by New Gold in 2013.

New Gold's executive chair Randall Oliphant is a director with director Newmarket as well.

Letting The Energy Board Do It's Job

There's no intention by the provincial government to intervene on requests for rate increases by natural gas companies in Ontario.

As CFOB-News reported this morning, Union Gas is seeking an increase that could result in northern Ontario users paying as much as $190-dollars more over the next year.

In the legislature, Energy Minister Bob Chiarelli says he's confident in the decisions of the Ontario Energy Board.

Union Gas say the proposed increase reflects the prices it will likely pay for gas and transportation in the future.

Natural Gas Price Hike Possible

Union Gas customers could be in line for a significant increase in their natural gas costs.

An application before the Ontario Energy Board proposes a rate increase that would see Union Gas users in northern Ontario pay about $190 more over a 12 month period.

Projected increases in Union Gas' purchasing and transporting costs are cited as the reasons.

If approved, new rates would take effect April 1.
      

More Weather Records

No shaking this cold weather.

More weather records were set across northwestern Ontario yesterday.

In Fort Frances, the thermometer reached - 29.8 C,  surpassing the old mark of - 28 C set in 1997.

Atikokan's low of - 31.8 C beat the old mark of - 30 C set way back in 1928.

Industry Opposing Bill 83

Northern Ontario municipalities and the forest industry are voicing their opposition to a bill aimed at avoiding lawsuits that are filed simply to muzzle environment groups who speak about against industry practices.

Bill 83 is currently in second reading.

President of the Ontario Forest Industries Association Jamie Lim says the bill is pointless.

Lim worries it will allow groups to spread malicious information without penalty.

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.