Several of Minnesota's waterways will soon get a scrub-down, thanks to some new cash flowing into state coffers.
The money started to come in this month after Minnesota voters last November passed the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment, providing for a state sales tax increase to go to the environment and the arts.
The sales tax increase is expected bring an estimated 234-million dollars a year over the next quarter-century.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
New Ownership in Works for Fort Frances Junior Team
Fort Frances appears posed for an early return to the Superior International Junior Hockey League.
B-93 has learned a deal is in the works between at least two unnamed parties interested in acquiring the rights to the Fort Frances Sabres franchise from current owners Scott and Caroline Kellaway.
The Thunder Bay-based owners had informed the league last month the Sabres would not be operating during the 2009-2010 season.
It's also not clear, though, if the new owners plan to continue to call the team the Sabres.
Although a deal have not been finalized, the league has included Fort Frances in the schedule for this season.
B-93 has learned a deal is in the works between at least two unnamed parties interested in acquiring the rights to the Fort Frances Sabres franchise from current owners Scott and Caroline Kellaway.
The Thunder Bay-based owners had informed the league last month the Sabres would not be operating during the 2009-2010 season.
It's also not clear, though, if the new owners plan to continue to call the team the Sabres.
Although a deal have not been finalized, the league has included Fort Frances in the schedule for this season.
Championship Set-up Underway
Preparations for the 2009 Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship are underway.
The event kicks off Sunday with the Kids Pro tournament.
Chair Tom Fry says right now the focus is on getting the site ready.
"Starting Wednesday we'll be putting up fencing and getting the felt covering down on the grass areas," says Fry. "Friday morning the big tent goes up. As of that day the street will be closed to through traffic. Through the weekend we'll be getting the interior of the tent and various staging completed so we're ready to go by next Tuesday."
Fry says volunteers are welcome to assist.
They can register at a volunteer tent being set up near the Sorting Gap Marina area. They can also register on-line or visit the FFCBC office located at the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce office on Scott Street.
The event kicks off Sunday with the Kids Pro tournament.
Chair Tom Fry says right now the focus is on getting the site ready.
"Starting Wednesday we'll be putting up fencing and getting the felt covering down on the grass areas," says Fry. "Friday morning the big tent goes up. As of that day the street will be closed to through traffic. Through the weekend we'll be getting the interior of the tent and various staging completed so we're ready to go by next Tuesday."
Fry says volunteers are welcome to assist.
They can register at a volunteer tent being set up near the Sorting Gap Marina area. They can also register on-line or visit the FFCBC office located at the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce office on Scott Street.
LCBO Workers Accept Deal
Liquor Control Board of Ontario workers have ratified a new collective agreement.
Employees voted Monday and Tuesday on the deal, which was reached on June 24 and averted an impending strike.
The four-year agreement includes a total wage increase of 7.75per cent, along with an increase to full-time jobs and improvements for casual and seasonal employees.
Permanent full-time employees also receive increased benefits and improvements to scheduling.
Union official Vanda Klumper says the agreement protects the livelihoods of permanent staff and makes measurable gains for casuals.
The bargaining team represents more than 6,000 members.
Employees voted Monday and Tuesday on the deal, which was reached on June 24 and averted an impending strike.
The four-year agreement includes a total wage increase of 7.75per cent, along with an increase to full-time jobs and improvements for casual and seasonal employees.
Permanent full-time employees also receive increased benefits and improvements to scheduling.
Union official Vanda Klumper says the agreement protects the livelihoods of permanent staff and makes measurable gains for casuals.
The bargaining team represents more than 6,000 members.
CFOB Owners Add New Stations
Owners of CFOB are adding to their chain of radio stations in northwestern Ontario.
Acadia Broadcasting has reached a deal to purchase Thunder Bay stations CKTG-FM The Giant 105.3, and CJUK-FM Magic 99.9 from Newcap for 4-point-5 million dollars, plus working capital.
Vice president Jim MacMullin says the two stations will be a great addition to its existing ones in Fort Frances, Kenora and Dryden.
“We are pleased to have reached an agreement with Newcap to purchase these two FM radio stations," says MacMullin. "We will continue with Newcap’s tradition of providing quality local radio services to the Thunder Bay community.”
The deal is subject to approval from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission and is set to close at the end of this year.
Acadia Broadcasting has reached a deal to purchase Thunder Bay stations CKTG-FM The Giant 105.3, and CJUK-FM Magic 99.9 from Newcap for 4-point-5 million dollars, plus working capital.
Vice president Jim MacMullin says the two stations will be a great addition to its existing ones in Fort Frances, Kenora and Dryden.
“We are pleased to have reached an agreement with Newcap to purchase these two FM radio stations," says MacMullin. "We will continue with Newcap’s tradition of providing quality local radio services to the Thunder Bay community.”
The deal is subject to approval from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission and is set to close at the end of this year.
OPP Funding
Ontario's provincial police force is getting $781,587 under the Civil Remedies Act.
The act allows the Attorney General's office to seize property used to commit crimes or bought with the proceeds of crime.
The bulk of the money, $246 thousand, will go to the organized crime unit to purchase four portable infrared cameras.
Another $262 thousand will be spent over two years to train civilian members of the provincial asset forfeiture unit.
A further $125 thousand will be spent to purchase laptops to help deliver crime prevention programs in each of the 90 detachments.
The act allows the Attorney General's office to seize property used to commit crimes or bought with the proceeds of crime.
The bulk of the money, $246 thousand, will go to the organized crime unit to purchase four portable infrared cameras.
Another $262 thousand will be spent over two years to train civilian members of the provincial asset forfeiture unit.
A further $125 thousand will be spent to purchase laptops to help deliver crime prevention programs in each of the 90 detachments.
Kenora Woman Missing in Red Lake
A search is underway in Red Lake for a missing Kenora woman.
OPP say 44-year-old Valerie Annie Cain after failing to show up for work at the Margaret Couchenor Memorial Hospital.
Police says she was last seen Sunday morning leaving the Norseman Inn where she was staying, but contact was received through a text message two hours later.
An employee of Lake of the Woods District Hospital in Kenora, Cain was at the Red Lake hospital to work extra shifts.
Meantime, a Facebook page has been set up to help in the search.
Wetlands Pilot Project in International Falls
The City of International Falls has been selected by the United States Army Corps of Engineers as the pilot for a plan to comprehensively coordinate state and federal wetlands management rules.
The City of International Falls had previously been awarded a grant by the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) to develop a 'Comprehensive Wetland Management Plan' under state law.
“This is a historic moment for the city, the Army Corps of Engineers, and BWSR," says Mayor Shawn Mason. "For too long, our residents and business owners have been frustrated that the city, state, and federal government could not get on the same page when it came to each agency’s obligations for regulation of development that impacts wetlands. We are now on the same page.”
Councilor Tim “Chopper” McBride, chair of the city’s Economic Development Committee says its recognition of the city's concerns that existing wetlands policies were hurting development in the city.
“It has taken a long time from our perspective to get an understanding from the federal government of the unique challenges our city faces when it comes to development,” says McBride. "We have now reached an accord with the Army Corps. They heard our concerns and agreed to use their resources to expand the plan we are presently developing to meet all regulatory requirements whether these requirements are federal, state or local.”
The construction of a new hospitals is among projects that have been impacted by current rules governing wetlands.
The City of International Falls had previously been awarded a grant by the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) to develop a 'Comprehensive Wetland Management Plan' under state law.
“This is a historic moment for the city, the Army Corps of Engineers, and BWSR," says Mayor Shawn Mason. "For too long, our residents and business owners have been frustrated that the city, state, and federal government could not get on the same page when it came to each agency’s obligations for regulation of development that impacts wetlands. We are now on the same page.”
Councilor Tim “Chopper” McBride, chair of the city’s Economic Development Committee says its recognition of the city's concerns that existing wetlands policies were hurting development in the city.
“It has taken a long time from our perspective to get an understanding from the federal government of the unique challenges our city faces when it comes to development,” says McBride. "We have now reached an accord with the Army Corps. They heard our concerns and agreed to use their resources to expand the plan we are presently developing to meet all regulatory requirements whether these requirements are federal, state or local.”
The construction of a new hospitals is among projects that have been impacted by current rules governing wetlands.
Tibbs Back at Council
Fellow members of Fort Frances council welcomed Sharon Tibbs back to the council chamber Monday night.
Tibbs put her municipal responsibilities on hold in May while she received treatment for cancer.
Tibbs told her fellow councillors Monday that's she's feeling a lot better and was glad to be back.
The long-time councillor also returns at the town's deputy mayor.
Tibbs put her municipal responsibilities on hold in May while she received treatment for cancer.
Tibbs told her fellow councillors Monday that's she's feeling a lot better and was glad to be back.
The long-time councillor also returns at the town's deputy mayor.
Councillor Pay Reviewed
A committee of Fort Frances councillors is meeting today to discuss the pay earned by the town's elected officials.
Among items being reviewed is the money paid to councillors who attend meetings.
Mayor Roy Avis, who suggested the review, feels remuneration may be one of the issues prohibiting younger people from entering municipal politics.
"I do believe that we have to attract the younger people," says Avis. "For young people who have a job or raising a family, its pretty hard to get away. If they have to get away and have to forfeit income, there should be some manner in our per diem basis that we can subsidize or help that person to attract new and younger people to this job."
Salaries for Fort Frances have not risen since 1992.
Avis says it will be some time before any recommendations are made and won't come into effect until after the next municipal election.
Among items being reviewed is the money paid to councillors who attend meetings.
Mayor Roy Avis, who suggested the review, feels remuneration may be one of the issues prohibiting younger people from entering municipal politics.
"I do believe that we have to attract the younger people," says Avis. "For young people who have a job or raising a family, its pretty hard to get away. If they have to get away and have to forfeit income, there should be some manner in our per diem basis that we can subsidize or help that person to attract new and younger people to this job."
Salaries for Fort Frances have not risen since 1992.
Avis says it will be some time before any recommendations are made and won't come into effect until after the next municipal election.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Hunger on Rise in Minnesota
Visits to food shelves in Minnesota in the first three months of this year were up 28 percent over last year.
According to a new study from Hunger Solutions, more than 237,000 children visited food shelves with their families in that time, making it tough for local food pantries to stay stocked.
Executive Director Colleen Moriarty blames the increase on the recession, increased food prices and unemployment that has shot up to above eight percent this year.
However, she says, with all the federal resources available, no one in Minnesota should have an empty belly.
"Accessing those federal programs will lessen some of the burden on the food shelves, because they were never set up to meet this kind of dramatic need," says Moriarty.
Food agencies have doled out aid to a record 614,000 people this quarter alone.
According to a new study from Hunger Solutions, more than 237,000 children visited food shelves with their families in that time, making it tough for local food pantries to stay stocked.
Executive Director Colleen Moriarty blames the increase on the recession, increased food prices and unemployment that has shot up to above eight percent this year.
However, she says, with all the federal resources available, no one in Minnesota should have an empty belly.
"Accessing those federal programs will lessen some of the burden on the food shelves, because they were never set up to meet this kind of dramatic need," says Moriarty.
Food agencies have doled out aid to a record 614,000 people this quarter alone.
Suspicious Fire - Burned Body Connected
Police in Thunder Bay say there's a connection between a suspicious apartment fire and a burned body found in a car.
Firefighters were called to the apartment fire in the city's north side Friday.
Hours later, cyclists found a burned male body inside a burned car found in woods along the Thunder Bay expressway.
The owner of the vehicle is a resident of the apartment and has not been located.
The body has been sent to Toronto for an autopsy.
Firefighters were called to the apartment fire in the city's north side Friday.
Hours later, cyclists found a burned male body inside a burned car found in woods along the Thunder Bay expressway.
The owner of the vehicle is a resident of the apartment and has not been located.
The body has been sent to Toronto for an autopsy.
Ignace Infrastructure Projects in Doubt
Two major infrastructure projects in Ignace are in jeopardy due to financial constraints in the community.
The Township recently received funding to upgrade three roads as well as build a multi-purpose recreation facility.
Mayor Lionel Cloutier says they're seeking more money from the both the federal and provincial governments to help lower the municipal share.
Cloutier says the projects may have to be delayed until next years to make it affordable for the community.
The Township recently received funding to upgrade three roads as well as build a multi-purpose recreation facility.
Mayor Lionel Cloutier says they're seeking more money from the both the federal and provincial governments to help lower the municipal share.
Cloutier says the projects may have to be delayed until next years to make it affordable for the community.
Report on Rural Road Released
A new report says rural communities should charge resource industries a fee for wear and tear caused by heavy trucks on roads.
The study by the Frontier Centre for Public Policy says the vehicles cause a disproportionate amount of damage to rural roads and residents living in the country are saddled with the costs of repairs because their municipalities don't have the tax base.
Rural municipalities spend about 40 per cent of their budgets on roads compared with an average of about 17 per cent for cities.
The study by the Frontier Centre for Public Policy says the vehicles cause a disproportionate amount of damage to rural roads and residents living in the country are saddled with the costs of repairs because their municipalities don't have the tax base.
Rural municipalities spend about 40 per cent of their budgets on roads compared with an average of about 17 per cent for cities.
More Forest Fires Reported
More forest fires are being reported in the Rainy River district.
One new blaze was reported yesterday bringing to 15 the number of fires in the district this year.
The Ministry of Natural Resources says it's looking at the potential of further starts as the fire hazard reaches high levels.
A small lightning fire along the northern boundary of Quetico Park is identified as the only active fire in the district.
One new blaze was reported yesterday bringing to 15 the number of fires in the district this year.
The Ministry of Natural Resources says it's looking at the potential of further starts as the fire hazard reaches high levels.
A small lightning fire along the northern boundary of Quetico Park is identified as the only active fire in the district.
Moffat Funds Handed Out
(Captain Angel Sandoval accepts Moffat Family Fund contribution from Fort Frances Mayor Roy Avis)Nine local groups have benefited in funding from the Moffat Family Fund.
More than $43,000 was distributed by Mayor Roy Avis at town council last night.
Among the recipients was the Salvation Army who received $12,650. The Rainy River district Social Services Administration Board will get $9,000 while the Fort Frances Public Library will benefit from a $6,000.
The money is to be used towards services and programs that help children and families.
Also receiving money were the Family and Children's Services for the Rainy River District ($3,000), Fort Frances Museum ($2,600), Fort Frances Highlanders Pipes and Drums ($1,000), 908 Rainy Lake Air Cadet Squadron ($2,000), St. John's Anglican Church ($3,000), Kitchen Creek Golf Club ($4,000).
Council Opts Not to Pass 'Buy Ontario' Policy
A request for a 'Buy Ontario/Buy Canada' policy failed to get an endorsement at the table from Fort Frances town council last night
While supportive of the policy, councillor Rick Wiedenhoeft says legally the town can't pass such a resolution.
"Because we are a municipality we are obligated under legislation to follow an open, fair and transparent procurement policy," says Weidenhoeft. "It almost precludes us from supporting this resolution."
The Ontario Federation of Labour had touted the policy as means to ensuring local jobs were created with infrastructure projects.
While supportive of the policy, councillor Rick Wiedenhoeft says legally the town can't pass such a resolution.
"Because we are a municipality we are obligated under legislation to follow an open, fair and transparent procurement policy," says Weidenhoeft. "It almost precludes us from supporting this resolution."
The Ontario Federation of Labour had touted the policy as means to ensuring local jobs were created with infrastructure projects.
Additional Portage Avenue Closures Today
There are also closures today on other parts of Portage Avenue.
Sections between Church and Nelson Streets and Scott and First Streets will be blocked off as the second phase of the road work around Abitibibowater's biomass boiler takes place.
Access between Scott and Church will be limited to local traffic, but on-street parking will be permitted on that section of the road.
Sections between Church and Nelson Streets and Scott and First Streets will be blocked off as the second phase of the road work around Abitibibowater's biomass boiler takes place.
Access between Scott and Church will be limited to local traffic, but on-street parking will be permitted on that section of the road.
Portage Avenue Underpass closed today
The Portage Avenue underpass gets shutdown today.
The closure from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. is the first of a week long closure as work at the underpass resumes.
Fort Frances' operations and facilities manager Doug Brown is confident the project will be completed this year.
"The big stuff is done," says Brown. "The retaining walls were all constructed last year. There's a little abutment wall on the east side that will require construction. It's very small scale compared to last year. It's slabs and earthwork. We're scheduled to be done by the end of October."
Brown says when additional closures are required, the public will be notified through announcements made by the local media.
The closure from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. is the first of a week long closure as work at the underpass resumes.
Fort Frances' operations and facilities manager Doug Brown is confident the project will be completed this year.
"The big stuff is done," says Brown. "The retaining walls were all constructed last year. There's a little abutment wall on the east side that will require construction. It's very small scale compared to last year. It's slabs and earthwork. We're scheduled to be done by the end of October."
Brown says when additional closures are required, the public will be notified through announcements made by the local media.
Fences and Hedges Being Measured
The town of Fort Frances is seeking voluntary compliance of its by-law pertaining to the height and location of fences, hedges and shrubs.
A study by the town's by-law enforcement department found several properties not adhering to the by-law.
Chief building inspector Rick Hallam says they're now looking for owners to adhere to the by-law.
"We realize that some of these fences and hedges have been in place for quite some year," says Hallam. "Not withstanding that, we do have to look to the need to gain compliance in the by-law and ensure the safe passage of traffic and pedestrians alike.
Hallam says most of the problem areas are properties located on corner lots.
A study by the town's by-law enforcement department found several properties not adhering to the by-law.
Chief building inspector Rick Hallam says they're now looking for owners to adhere to the by-law.
"We realize that some of these fences and hedges have been in place for quite some year," says Hallam. "Not withstanding that, we do have to look to the need to gain compliance in the by-law and ensure the safe passage of traffic and pedestrians alike.
Hallam says most of the problem areas are properties located on corner lots.
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