Festival Enters Final Week

The Rainy River District Festival of the Performing Arts is in its final week with competition in English drama getting underway at 9 AM at the Townshend Theatre.

Local playwright Tracy Gibson serves at adjudicator.

We Day In Rainy River And Baudette

A message of inspiration for students today in the Rainy River and Baudette areas.

Rainy River High School is holding its annual mini WE Day at Baudette's Lake of the Woods School.

Student Jeffrey Marchuk say the theme is "Follow Your Dream."

Among those to speak to students include Canadian R and B singer Flo, and Rainy River High School alumnus Phil McGreevy who now works in the Winnipeg Jets front office.

Road Maintenance Review Sought

Supplied photo

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell wants a legislative committee review winter road maintenance in Ontario.  

 

Campbell says highways in the region were unsafe almost the entire winter and feels Transportation Minister Glen Murray took very little action to respond.

 

Campbell's motion will be voted on next week at Queen's Park.

Flaherty Remembered

Shock across the country at the death of longtime federal finance minister Jim Flaherty.

 

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty says the news came as a complete surprise.

 

Flaherty had just retired from politics a month ago.

 

Federal Natural Resources Minister and Kenora MP Greg Rickford says he'll remember his former colleague fondly.

 

Flaherty was 64.

More ORNGE Concerns From Pilots

Pilots with Ontario's air ambulance service are sounding the alarm bells again about the helicopters they must fly.

Conservative MPP Frank Klees says they're worried about a helicopter that's been deployed to Moosennee, he says is one of the oldest in ORNGE's fleet.

The helicopter is the same model that crashed almost a year ago near Moosenee, killing all four on board.

Area Business Leaders Meet

The Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce are holding their annual general meeting in Geraldton this weekend.

Chamber representatives from across the region are discussing a number of topics from mining, hydro and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.

Clean Water Act Changes Concerning

U.S. Fish & Wildlife photo

A proposal to clarify which types of water bodies in the United States fall under the Clean Water Act is drawing concern from Koochiching County.

 

Commissioner Wade Pavleck says any progress made over wetlands could be reversed if the act goes ahead.

 

The changes to the act were the result of two federal court rulings that brought into question where the Act applies.

 

A 90-day comment period is currently underway which Koochiching County intends to respond.

Science Fair Winners

Three intermediate students in the Rainy River district have earns berths to a Canada-wide science fair.

Hanna LeDrew's project Catch of the Day was named Best in Fair at a regional event in Fort Frances last weekend.

Byron Stewart and Graham Anderson's project "A Smart Case" was second.

Hayden Geary's look at Solar Heaters was best in Best in Fair in the junior division.

Here is a list of all winners

Junior Division
Experiment/Study Category

1st Kathryn Fischer and Zakary Kellar – Handwashing 101   
2nd Corbin Riches—Investigating Influenza   
3rd Hallee Nugent—To Burn or Not to Burn 

Honourable Mention:
Madison Rheault—Does Temperature Effect Magnetism

Innovation Category

1st Hayden Geary—Solar Heaters   
2nd Simone Payne and Cassidy Roach—Halt! No More Salt!   
3rd Kolten Gagne—Energizing Wind 

Best In Fair

1st  GOLD Hayden Geary   
2nd SILVER Kathryn Fischer and Zakary Kellar   
3rd BRONZE Corbin Riches 

Intermediate Division
Experiment/Study Category

1st Erin Green—Tupperware Test   
2nd Maria Gilbert—Getting a ‘Grater’ Clean   
3rd Seanna Geary—Seeing in Believing 

Honourable Mention:
Jasper  Crow—Electrical Current Flow

Innovation Category

1st Hanna LeDrew—Catch of the Day   
2nd Byron Stewart and Graham Anderson—A Smarter Case   
3rd Alexander Laevens—Uncanny Convection 

Best In Fair

1st  GOLD Hanna LeDrew—Catch of the Day   
2nd SILVER Byron Stewart and Graham Anderson—A Smart Case   
3rd BRONZE Erin Green—Uncanny Convection 

Heritage Money Being Announced Today

There are announcements coming down today from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation.

Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle will make announcements in Thunder Bay for four projects.

It's not clear if any of that money will be for projects in our region.

An application for funding for the $1.2 million development of a market square in downtown Fort Frances was sent to the Corporation just last month.

Another $2-million dollar request for a tile drainage project in the west end of the Rainy River district is also before the Corporation.

Goldcorp Offers New Bid

Goldcorp has upped the ante for Osisko Mining.

It's put forward a proposal valued at $3.6 billion.

Osisko has been trying to stave off Goldcorp's advances with a deal with Yamana Gold that would see it earn a 50-50 stake in Osisko's mining and exploration projects.

Premier Defend Chief of Staff

Premier Kathleen Wynne is fighting back against opposition accusations that her chief of staff is getting paid too much.

 

The Conservative says Tim Teahen earned $344-thousand last year, but wasn't disclosed in the public salaries list.

 

Wynne says that's not true and accuses the Tories of gutter politics.

 

Wynne says Teahen's salary is in line with other that of past chiefs of staff.

Support For In Vitro Fertilization Funding

A coalition of people struggling with infertility is welcoming news there will soon be provincial funding for in Vitro Fertilization in Ontario.

 

Health Minister Deb Matthews says the province will cover an initial round of treatments beginning next year.

 

Conceivable Dreams co-founder Joanne Horibe says it makes treatments more accessible to infertile couples, given costs now range as much as $0-thousand for a single cycle.

Dryden Senior Becomes A Millionaire

A Dryden senior is northwestern Ontario's new millionaire.

71-year-old Mary Martin was the ticket holder of a Lotto 649 draw that went unclaimed for some time.

She only learned she won when she checked her ticket this week.

Martin says she plans to bank her winnings.

Festival Results Day 8

Joyce Wu, the only performer to capture more than one first-place finish at the Rainy River District Festival of the Performing Arts yesterday in the piano competitions.

She won twice.

The piano competitions conclude today at the Townshend Theatre.

Here is a list of all winners from Thursday.

Piano Ensemble, One Piano, Two Performers, Intermediate
FIRST:  Katelyn Bruyere and Judy Wu
SECOND:  Alexa Veldhuisen and Mika Kooistra

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Own Choice, Grade 6
FIRST:  Mika Kooistra
SECOND:  Judy Wu

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Own Choice, Grade 7
FIRST: (Tie) Jordan Bruyere, Gareth Dunn

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Own Choice, Grade 8
FIRST:  Anna Schwartz

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Romantic or 20th or 21st Century, Grade 1
FIRST:  Lauryn Jean Marchant
SECOND: Kylie Stafford

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Inventions, Grade 1
FIRST:  Angie Redford
SECOND: Lauryn Jean Marchant

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Inventions, Grade 2
FIRST:  Cassidy Martin

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Popular Selection, Grade 4
FIRST:  Jacob Gustafson

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Popular Selection, Grade 3
FIRST:  Joyce Wu
SECOND:  Jaylen Cunningham

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Baroque, Grade 3
FIRST:  Joyce Wu
SECOND:  Shakira Wapoose

Piano Ensemble, One Piano, Two Performers, Intermediate
FIRST:  Lauryn Jean Marchant and Mia Hamilton


Late Piano Results from Wednesday, April 9

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Romantic or 20th or 21st Century, Grade 2
FIRST:  Paige Eldridge
SECOND  Max VanDrunen

Rainy River District Shows Its Support For Day of Pink

A strong stand against bullying in the Rainy River district.

Many wore pink yesterday as part of International Day of Pink.

Celebrating Diversity's Trudy McCormick says its purpose is something we should think about year round.

Canadian Mental Health Association's Nancy Daley-Fulton says she was pleased with the support the Day is receiving in the district..

Schools, organizations and businesses among those who took up the cause.

OPP encourage people to step forward if they're aware of incidents in the school or even in the workplace.

Trees of Kindness Attracts Several Pledges

Many area residents are pledging acts of kindness.

The acts were placed on a tree set up by the United Native Friendship Centre in Fort Frances for Day of Pink.

Children's Mental Health Coordinator Dorian Chambers is hoping it spreads throughout the year.

Similar trees were also up at the Legal Clinic, Fort France Library and NCDS.

New Anti-Bullying Law In Minnesota

Supplied photo

New legislation is now in place that strengthens anti-bullying laws in Minnesota schools.

Governor Mark Dayton, who signed the bill into law, says he's not going to tolerate bullying.

The new measure provides school districts with guidance and the flexibility to adopt their own policies.

It also clearly defines what behaviors should be considered bullying, including online forms, and requires schools to investigate complaints and train staff how to respond.

Grade 11 student Jake Ross, who helped provide input, says it give all children the protection they need to stay safe.

Ministry Denies Funding For New School

The Ministry of Education is saying no to funding to build a new school in Emo to replace Donald Young School because the project doesn't  meet its criteria.

Rainy River District School Board Chair Mike Lewis says it doesn't mean the Board should give up trying secure the necessary funding.

One of the Ministry's criteria is for buildings that consolidate schools, something the board had voted against in February after conducting reviews of Donald Young, Sturgeon Creek and Crossroads Schools.

Park's Winter Trails Deteriorating

The snowmobile season in Voyageurs National Park is over, but you might be able to get in a little cross-country skiing still.

The Park says its trails for skiing and snowshoeing are still open, but are deteriorating rapidly with the recent warm weather.

The park has stopped grooming and equipment rentals.

Companies Recognized For Platinum Find



Transition Metals photo

A couple of junior mining companies doing work in the Thunder Bay area have been handed the Discovery of the Year award by the Northwestern Ontario Prospectors Association.

 

Transition Metals and Impala Platinum Holdings are recognized for identifying a significant platinum find near Sunday Lake, about 25 kilometre north of the city.

 

They received the award during Association's annual awards dinner Tuesday night.

Mining Jobs Coming Up

A northwestern Ontario agency is forecasting a huge demand for jobs in mining in the region.

The North Superior Workforce Planning Board's 10 year outlook suggests a need to fill almost 5-thousand positions.

The report says the highest demand will be for haul truck operators and heavy duty mechanics.

Scam Warning

A warning of a scam circulating around northwestern Ontario.

People are getting phone calls asking for donations to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

Hospital officials say the calls aren't coming from them or the Health Sciences Foundation.

The Foundation asks residents to report such calls to police.

OPP Nab Impaired Drivers

Four area motorists are facing upcoming court appearances on impaired driving charges.

Two drivers were charged after separate motor vehicle accidents in the Atikokan area over the past month -  including one who struck a moose.

Both were also charged for driving while under suspension.

The most recent impaired driver was picked up Sunday night in Atikokan.

Coalition Vote Draws Huge Support For Hospitals

A provincial health lobby group says it's found strong support to keep health services within Ontario hospitals.

The Ontario Health Coalition says it attracted more than 56-thousand people in a voluntary referendum held on the weekend who supported stopping private clinics from being set up to take over those services.

Despite its best efforts, the Coalition was unable to find individuals to man the vote in the Rainy River district.

PCs Select Candidate For Thunder Bay Riding

Derek Parks has officially been declared the new PC candidate for the riding of Thunder Bay-Superior North.

Parks, who hasn't lived in the area for some time, brushes off the suggestion he was specifically brought in to replace ex candidate Tamara Johnson.

Parks was acclaimed at the party's nomination meeting Tuesday night.

Tax E-Filing On Hold

Canadians won't be able to e-file their tax returns for the next little while.

The Canada Revenue Agency has temporarily shut down its electronic services website over security concerns.

The precautionary move is related to the so-called "Heartbleed Bug" - a newly discovered software that can swipe passwords and your personal information.

The deadline to file taxes is April 30, but the Agency is hinting extensions could be granted if the problem lingers.

Citizen Of The Year Named

International Falls Chamber of Commerce will honour its citizen of the year next month.

It's named Cynthia Warren for the award for her work with the organization Friends Against Abuse, as well as that with area seniors, church projects and women locked up in the local jail.

She'll be recognized during the Chamber's spring dinner May 22.

Festival Results Day 7

Emily Loney stood out as the top performer behind the ivories at the Rainy River District Festival of the Performing Arts.

Loney claimed three first place finishes in yesterday's piano competitions.

They continues today at the Townshend Theatre.

Here is a list of all winners from Wednesday.

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Popular Selection, Grade 9
FIRST:  Raymond Polz
SECOND:  Sarah Bagacki

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Popular Selection, Grade 7
FIRST:  Jordan Bruyere

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Popular Selection, Grade 6
FIRST:  Katelyn Bruyere
SECOND:  (Tie) Judy Wu, Madison Krikke

Piano Solo, Open Piano, Intermediate
FIRST:  Emily Loney
SECOND:  (Tie) Macy Anderson, Jesse Begin

Piano Solo, Method Courses, Popular, Level 5
FIRST:  Emily Loney

Piano Solo, Method Courses, Classical, Level 5
FIRST:  Emily Loney

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Quick Study, Grade 8
FIRST:  Tianna Velduisen
SECOND:  Anna Schwartz

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Quick Study, Grade 9
FIRST:  Erin Gustafson
SECOND:  Raymond Polz

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Popular Selection, Grade 2
FIRST:  Scott Jolicoeur

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Popular Selection, Grade 1
FIRST:  Joelle Bruyere

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Own Choice, Grade 1
FIRST:  Mya Hamilton
SECOND: (Tie) Brandon Gustafson, Joelle Bruyere

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Own Choice, Grade 2
FIRST:  Cassidy Martin
SECOND:  Scott Jolicoeur

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Baroque, Grade 1
FIRST:  Jordan Eldridge

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Baroque, Grade 2
FIRST:  Calin Campbell
Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Baroque, Grade 4
FIRST:  Paige Whitefish

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Classical, Grade 3
FIRST:  Shakira Wapoose

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Classical, Grade 4
FIRST:  Paige Whitefish

Piano Solo, Method Courses, Classical, Level 3
FIRST:  Katrina Klug
SECOND:  Rowen Quast

Piano Solo, Method Courses, Children’s Songs, Level 2 (Age 9 and under)
FIRST:  Reese Jolicoeur
SECOND:  Kade Oster

Piano Solo, Method Courses, Children’s Songs, Level 2 (Age 9 and older)
FIRST:  Piper Danylchuk
SECOND:  Mackenzie Jolicoeur

Piano Solo, Method Courses, Jazz, Level 2
FIRST:  Micaela Jolicoeur
SECOND:  Reese Jolicoeur

Piano Solo, Method Courses, Popular, Level 2
FIRST:  Fletcher Klug
SECOND:  Emma Bassett

Piano Solo, Method Courses, Classical, Level 2
FIRST:  Sadie Tolton
SECOND:  Mackenzie Jolicoeur

More School Buses To Be Added

The bus ride for some of the Rainy River district's youngest learners should be a little shorter next year.

Additional school buses will be put on the road in Fort Frances and Atikokan to reduce the time students in early learning programs are on the bus.

Some are now riding a bus in excess of an hour.

Rainy River District School Board's Heather Campbell says money will come from the existing transportation budget by finding efficiencies in the system.

The extra bus in Atikokan, though, is pending agreement with the Northwest Catholic District School Board.

Day of Pink

RRDSB Photo

Residents around the Borderland are being asked to take a stand against bullying today by wearing pink.

This is Day of Pink which is now recognized around the world.

Superintendent of Education with the Rainy River District School Board Casey Slack says they're using the day to launch a new way of reporting incidents.

Slack says the on-line form is found on all school websites and allows parents and students option to report incidents of bullying.

Slack says it doesn't remove the ability of students and parents taking complaints directly to a principal.

Seven Gens Ready For Mining Program

Seven Generations Education Institute is leasing the former Fort Frances bingo hall to help run a new mining preparedness program.

The lot is filled with a number of trailers from Cambrian College.

Chief Executive Officer Delbert Horton says it's all part of the $5.2 million received from the federal government.

Horton says they currently have 260 students enrolled in the programs throughout the region.

Ontario College Of Trades Bashed

The Ontario PC's are slamming the Ontario College of Trades.

 Leader Tim Hudak says the college is nothing more than a money grab and is standing in the way of creating jobs for young people.

Some in the industry says the college opens the door to a new government business tax.

Supporters say it has helped create a level playing field for shops and technicians through better enforcement.

Premier Kathleen Wynne also defends the year old College.

The Premier says the college is designed to make sure people in the skilled trades are qualified to do the job.

County Jail To House Extra Inmates

Koochiching County's jail could see a few more inmates in its cells.

The County has agreed to handle prisoners from Nett Lake, a small community bordering Koochiching and St. Louis Counties.

Sheriff Brian Jesperson says it comes with a few dollars to offset costs.

Jesperson says the contract also gives the County the option not to take inmates who may too violent for jail staff.

New Emergency Personnel Hired

Some new hires for International Falls emergency services.

International Falls Police have hired two new officers while the City's Ambulance service has added two new paramedics.

The Falls Fire department is also adding eight new volunteer firefighters, bringing its complement to 29.

Some of the new hires replace people who were leaving or retiring.

Training for all of the new hires is underway.

Fee System Working Well

A new reservation and fee system for Voyageurs National Park appears to be working well.

Park officials says the system, which went into place last week, saw 200 people make reservations for the 51 campsites available in the first two days the system went on-line.

Burn Now

MNR file photo

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is encouraging homeowners who want to burn to do it now.

The DNR says State burning restrictions will take effect once the snow is gone which could be in the next few weeks.

Restrictions in Ontario kicked in April 1.

Teacher Talk Legislation Now Law

Legislation to be used in future contract talks with the province's educators is now law.

Final approval of Bill 122 came yesterday at Queen's Park with New Democrat support.

The Liberals says it allows for associations representing school boards to be at the bargaining table with government and unions reps on province-wide issues.

Local bargaining will still continue on all other issues.

Almost all existing collective agreements are to expire at the end of this August.

Former Band Co-Manager Charged

The former co-manager of a northern Ontario reserve that was at the forefront of housing issues and treaty rights has been charged with fraud and theft.

62-year-old Clayton Kennedy will appear in May 28th.

Nishnawbe-Aski Police Sergeant Jackie George it stems a lengthy investigation initiated in February of last year.

In private life, Kennedy is the partner of Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence.

Man Charged In Dog Attack

A man is facing a charge under the Fish and Wildlife Act after a dog attacked a deer in Dryden.

OPP says the dog was running-at-large and last Thursday's incident was witnessed by a number of people.

One of the individuals was forced to put the deer down because of the injuries sustained.

Festival Results Day 6

Anna Schwartz Sarah Bagacki and Emmy Saciuk among those to shine on the piano at the Rainy River District Festival of the Performing Arts.

Bagacki earned three first place wins while Schwartz and Saciuk won twice.

Competitions continues today at the Townshend Theatre.

Here is a list of all winners from Tuesday.

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Romantic, Grade 9
FIRST: (Tie) SarahBagacki, Erin Gustafson

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Romantic, Grade 8
FIRST:  Anna Schwartz

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Post-Romantic or 20th or 21st Century, Grade 9
FIRST:  Sarah Bagacki 2
SECOND:  Erin Gustafson

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Post-Romantic or 20th or 21st Century, Grade 8
FIRST:  Anna Schwartz 2
SECOND:  Tianna Veldhuisen

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Romantic or 20th or 21st Century, Grade 7
FIRST:  Wanetta Petkau
SECOND:  Jordan Bruyere

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Romantic or 20th or 21st Century, Grade 6
FIRST:  Mika Kooistra
SECOND:  Emma Dykstra

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Romantic or 20th or 21st Century, Grade 5
FIRST:  Macy Anderson
SECOND: Jacob Erickson

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Romantic or 20th or 21st Century, Grade 4
FIRST:  Paige Whitefish
SECOND:  Jacob Gustafson

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Romantic or 20th or 21st Century, Grade 3
FIRST:  Kaylen Cunningham
SECOND:  (Tie) Joyce Wu, Shakira Wapoose

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Own Choice, Grade 5
FIRST:  Madison Krikke

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Own Choice, Grade 4
FIRST:  Jacob Gustafson
SECOND:  Paige Whitefish

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Own Choice, Grade 3
FIRST:  Joyce Wu
SECOND:  (Tie) Shakira Wapoose, Kaylen Cunningham

Piano Ensemble, Two Pianos, Two Performers
FIRST:  Jacob Erickson and Jessie Laurion

Piano Solo, Method Courses, Children’s Songs, Level 1 (8 years and under)
FIRST:  Kayleigh Cooper
SECOND:  (Tie) Keira Wood, Abby Bone

Piano Solo, Method Courses, Classical, Level 1
FIRST:  Mickenna Ryll
SECOND:  Eva Gerstner

Piano Solo, Method Courses, Popular, Level 1
FIRST:  Noella Taves
SECOND:  Keira Wood

Piano Solo, Open Piano, Introductory
FIRST:  Ty Cunningham
SECOND:  (Tie) Liam Dent, Keira Wood, Michael Redford

Piano Solo, Open Piano, Elementary
FIRST:  Katrina Klug

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Own Choice, Introductory Level
FIRST:  Emmy Saciuk
SECOND:  (Tie) Ty Cunningham, Michael Redford

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, 20th or 21st Century, Introductory Level
FIRST:  Emmy Saciuk  2
SECOND:  Ty Cunningham

Pet Rescue Group Offers Help To Town

A new pet rescue group is asking for changes to how Fort Frances operates its pound.

Whisker's and Tails Animal Rescue is offering to assist in helping find homes for animals whose owners don't come forward.

Founder, Mrs. Sullivan, who asked we not reveal her first name, says they're petitioning council to consider its offer to work together.

So far, the group has over 250 names supporting its efforts.

Town Response To Rescue Group's Petition

File photo

The town of Fort Frances says it does make every effort to find homes for the animals that come under its care.

By-law enforcement officer Patrick Briere says the number of animals put down each year is actually very low.

Brier says they also work with other agencies, including those in International Falls, to find homes.

He adds the pound is operated according to provincial guidelines with annual inspections.

Contract For Multi-Modal Work Awarded

International Falls council has agreed to move forward on work to bring sewer and water services to its multi-modal area east of the city.

Mayor Bob Anderson was reluctant to agree to a $410-thousand contract when he says there's doubt on whether anyone is actually interest in the property.

Councillor Gail Rogenrud says there's a potential client the local economic development authority is talking with.

She adds not to move forward with the project would put in jeopardy a commitment of $650-thousand from the State.

The City has already spent about $190-thousand of its own money on site development.

Falls Council Agrees To Donohue Property Recommendations

International Falls council is acting on recommendations that help identify potential uses of the Donohue property.

It includes creating a trail, annexing the property and securing the land given to the city a couple of years ago in a deal with the former owners.

Several  residents attending last night's meeting expressed concern with the cost.

Mayor Bob Anderson who voted in opposition suggested acting on the recommendations would be a low priority right now for the city.

NDP Support PC Contempt Motion

The NDP is supporting a Conservative motion accusing the Liberal government of contempt.

New Democrat house leader Gilles Bisson says it's clear the government is trying to subvert the legislature by announcing budget details before the document is released at Queen's Park.

The Conservatives says the Liberals plan to announced $5.7 billion in spending in advance of the budget's release.

School Breakfast Programs Supported

The provincial government want to ensure students have a well-balance breakfast to start the day.

It's announced $32-million over the next three years to expand and enhance student nutrition programs in schools.

As many as 340 new breakfast programs will be creating, including ones at First Nations schools, beginning in northern Ontario.

New Medical Officer Of Health On The Job

A new face at the Northwestern Health Unit.

Dr. Kit Young-Hoon is the new medical officer of health.

Young-Hoon is looking forward to the job with a focus on implementing the Health Unit's strategic plan.

Young-Hoon takes over from Dr. James Arthurs who officially retired last Monday.

Liberal Accused Of Contempt

The provincial Liberals are  being accused of contempt.

Conservative critic Vic Fedeli suggests the Premier is trying to subvert the Ontario legislature by leaking portions of the provincial budget.

Fedeli says the government plans to announce $5.7 billion dollars in spending in the next 27 days leading up to the budget's release.

Gas Plant Scandal Continues

The gas plant scandal continues to dominate debate at Queen's Park.

The opposition grilled the Liberals repeatedly yesterday about what the government knew about allegations of wrong-doing in the premier's office.

Liberal House Leader John Milloy says the matter is under investigation and is best left to the police.

Over the weekend, Premier Kathleen Wynne confirmed she has sent a libel notice to Progressive Conservative leader Tim Hudak. 

Mill Fined

A northwestern Ontario mill has been slapped with a huge fine in connection with an explosion that killed a worker three years ago.

Terrace Bay pulp was fined $275-thousand dollars after a Ministry of Labour investigation determined welding repairs to a steel tank had been allowed to take place before the tank has been cleared of hazardous material inside.

The probe also found the mill had not taken reasonable precautions in advance of the work.

Province Says Gains Made In Education And Health

The provincial government is chest thumping about the improvements Ontario has made in Health and Education.

In a progress report released, the province says several improvements have been seen in both areas.

It includes noting reduced surgical wait times for cancer surgeries, more Ontarians now with a family doctor and more nurse hired over the past decade.

More Technology Planned For Schools

School Boards can expect to see more technology in their classrooms.

Premier Kathleen Wynne says the province will invest more than $150-million over the next three years to bring more digital tablets, netbook, camera and software into schools.

Some of the money will be used for professional development to keep teachers up-to-date on the technology.

Festival Day 5 Results

The first day of piano competitions at the Rainy River District Festival of the Performing Arts saw several multi-winners.

Raymond Polz among them who took home three first-place awards.

The competitions continue today at the Townshend Theatre beginning at 9 AM

Here is the list of all winners from Monday.

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Baroque, Grade 9
FIRST:  Raymond Polz
SECOND:  (Tie) Erin Gustafson, Sarah Bagacki

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Baroque, Grade 8
FIRST:  Anna Schwartz
SECOND:  Tianna Veldhuisen

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Baroque, Grade 7
FIRST:  Wanetta Petkau
SECOND:  Gareth Dunn

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Baroque, Grade 6
FIRST:  Brianna Eldridge
SECOND:  Mika Kooistra

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Baroque, Grade 5
FIRST:  Madison Krikke

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Classical, Grade 5
FIRST:  Jessica Empey
SECOND:  Madison Krikke

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Classical, Grade 9
FIRST:  Raymond Polz
SECOND:  Erin Gustafson

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Classical, Grade 8
FIRST:  Anna Schwartz
SECOND:  Tianna Veldhuisen

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Classical, Grade 7
FIRST:  Jordan Bruyere
SECOND:  Gareth Dunn

Piano Solo, Examination Courses, Classical, Grade 6
FIRST:  Brianna Eldridge
SECOND:  Emma Dykstra

Piano Solo, Traditional Hymn, Fold Hymn or Modern Chorus Accompaniment, Intermediate
FIRST:  Mika Kooistra
SECOND:  Alexa Veldhuisen

Piano Solo, Own Composition, Advanced
FIRST:  Raymond Polz

Piano Solo, Method Courses, Children’s Songs, Introductory Level
FIRST:  Torrie Spence
SECOND:  Emerson Archie

Piano Solo, Method Courses, Popular, Introductory Level
FIRST:  Dahlia Kaun
SECOND: (Tie) Valentina Schickell-Busch, Torrie Spence, Liam Dent

Piano Solo, Method Courses, Classical, Introductory Level
FIRST:  Rex Tolton

Piano Solo, Own Composition, Introductory
FIRST:  Sullivan Spiers

Piano Solo, Method Courses, Children’s Songs, Level 1 (9 years and older)
FIRST:  Kaidence Perreault
SECOND: (Tie) Connor Dutka, Bransen Campbell

Piano Solo, Method Course, Jazz, Level 1
FIRST:  Connor Dutka
SECOND:  Bransen Campbell