The Fort Frances Sabres officially kick of their season ticket drive today.
Tickets will be available at the Memorial Sports Centre from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. tonight.
Team officials are hoping to reach the 100 mark.
As of yesterday, 28 season ticket packages had been sold with the season beginning September 17th.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Forestry Review Dismissed
Plans to review the system how the province sells and allocates wood to companies is not sitting well with Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton.
A series of public consultations kicks off later this month.
But Hampton says the government's review does little to address the forestry industry's key concern.
"The real problem is with their policy of driving hydro rates, specifically the industrial hydro rate, through the roof," says Hampton, "which makes it too expensive for companies to operate paper machines in Ontario. That's where they should be focusing their attention."
Hampton feels the review only gives the impression the government is actually doing something to help northwestern Ontario communities.
A series of public consultations kicks off later this month.
But Hampton says the government's review does little to address the forestry industry's key concern.
"The real problem is with their policy of driving hydro rates, specifically the industrial hydro rate, through the roof," says Hampton, "which makes it too expensive for companies to operate paper machines in Ontario. That's where they should be focusing their attention."
Hampton feels the review only gives the impression the government is actually doing something to help northwestern Ontario communities.
More Aid to B.C.
More Ministry of Natural Resources personnel is being sent to help with forest firefighting efforts in British Columbia.
Seventy-eight fireRangers and support staff arrived in B.C. yesterday with more expected to leave Ontario today.
Forest fire fighting support to British Columbia is now into its seventh week.
Seventy-eight fireRangers and support staff arrived in B.C. yesterday with more expected to leave Ontario today.
Forest fire fighting support to British Columbia is now into its seventh week.
Hsopital Deal Reached
The Ontario Hospital Association has reached a tentative deal with hospital employees represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees.
The province-wide deal impacts workers at 54 hospitals, including those at Riverside Health Care Facilities' hospital in Rainy River.
The four-year agreement includes wage increases and the forming of a committee to examine the issue of sick leave.
Both parties have agreed to ratification no later than October 30.
The province-wide deal impacts workers at 54 hospitals, including those at Riverside Health Care Facilities' hospital in Rainy River.
The four-year agreement includes wage increases and the forming of a committee to examine the issue of sick leave.
Both parties have agreed to ratification no later than October 30.
Public Board Trustees Meet Tonight
Trustees with the Rainy River District School Board will also return today from their summer recess.
They'll meet at the board office in Fort Frances beginning at 7 p.m.
On their agenda will be the swearing in of a new student trustee.
Trustees will also hear presentations on the results of the secondary school literacy tests and the board's operational plan for the year.
They'll meet at the board office in Fort Frances beginning at 7 p.m.
On their agenda will be the swearing in of a new student trustee.
Trustees will also hear presentations on the results of the secondary school literacy tests and the board's operational plan for the year.
School Safety Emphasized
With the start of classes means the return of the big yellow buses back to area roads and streets.
OPP Constable Anne McCoy says it's important motorists take extra precautions when approaching or following a school bus today.
"Make sure your giving the buses enough distance that they're able to stop safely to pick up the children and to drop them off," says McCoy. "The kids are just starting to get back into the routine of going to school and they're excited so they're not always looking our for cars most of the time. Be patient, slow down and abide by the rules of the road."
Failure to adhere to a school buses stop lights can lead to fines of between 400 to 2-thousand dollars and the loss of six demerit points for a first offence.
McCoy says students should also exercise caution, especially when existing the bus by walking well in front of the bus before crossing and doing so when the driver indicates it's safe.
Students should also never run across a road to or from the bus.
OPP Constable Anne McCoy says it's important motorists take extra precautions when approaching or following a school bus today.
"Make sure your giving the buses enough distance that they're able to stop safely to pick up the children and to drop them off," says McCoy. "The kids are just starting to get back into the routine of going to school and they're excited so they're not always looking our for cars most of the time. Be patient, slow down and abide by the rules of the road."
Failure to adhere to a school buses stop lights can lead to fines of between 400 to 2-thousand dollars and the loss of six demerit points for a first offence.
McCoy says students should also exercise caution, especially when existing the bus by walking well in front of the bus before crossing and doing so when the driver indicates it's safe.
Students should also never run across a road to or from the bus.
School Resumes in Rainy River District
It's the start of a new school year in the Rainy River district.
Classes at both public and catholic schools resume today.
Education Director for the Rainy River District School Board Jack McMaster says there's plenty new for the public board this year.
"Lots of Ministry (of Education) initiatives are coming down the pipe," says McMaster. "Environmental education is a big one that we'll be pulling in and focusing on some more this year. There's opportunities to green-up some of our schools with additional seed money from the Ministry"
McMaster says the board is being cautious about projected enrolments, anticipating a 3 per cent decline over the previous year.
A larger jurisdiction greets the Northwest Catholic District School Board on the start of this new school year.
An amalgamation with the Atikokan Roman Catholic Separate School Board officially takes effect today.
Education Director Mary-Catherine Kelly says with it brings St. Patrick's School into the fold.
"We also have put in a new computer lab at the school," says Kelly, "and now we're networked with out video conferencing capabilities and internet. So we're well connected to our new school and our new community."
On the weekend, the board held an inaugural mass for the new principal and staff.
Rejoicing and Hope is the theme of the new school year.
While predicting a slight decline in fall enrollments last June, Kelly says early indications do point to some growth, but final numbers won't be know until next week.
Classes at both public and catholic schools resume today.
Education Director for the Rainy River District School Board Jack McMaster says there's plenty new for the public board this year.
"Lots of Ministry (of Education) initiatives are coming down the pipe," says McMaster. "Environmental education is a big one that we'll be pulling in and focusing on some more this year. There's opportunities to green-up some of our schools with additional seed money from the Ministry"
McMaster says the board is being cautious about projected enrolments, anticipating a 3 per cent decline over the previous year.
A larger jurisdiction greets the Northwest Catholic District School Board on the start of this new school year.
An amalgamation with the Atikokan Roman Catholic Separate School Board officially takes effect today.
Education Director Mary-Catherine Kelly says with it brings St. Patrick's School into the fold.
"We also have put in a new computer lab at the school," says Kelly, "and now we're networked with out video conferencing capabilities and internet. So we're well connected to our new school and our new community."
On the weekend, the board held an inaugural mass for the new principal and staff.
Rejoicing and Hope is the theme of the new school year.
While predicting a slight decline in fall enrollments last June, Kelly says early indications do point to some growth, but final numbers won't be know until next week.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Hard Water in Littlefork
Residents of Littlefork may experience some hard water conditions with their tap water over the next couple days.
A city official say the conditions may be brought upon by a flushing of the water treatment plants brine tank that's taking place.
The city says the water is still safe to drink and conditions should clear over the next couple of days.
A city official say the conditions may be brought upon by a flushing of the water treatment plants brine tank that's taking place.
The city says the water is still safe to drink and conditions should clear over the next couple of days.
Chilly Mornings in Borderland
It's been a few chilly mornings across northern Minnesota and the Rainy River district.
International Falls broke their record low for August 29th with a midnight reading of 34 F.
The temperature continued to fall through the early morning of the 30th, reaching another record low for the day of 32 F.
The pre-dawn hours of Sunday and today saw widespread temperatures in the low to mid 30s across northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin.
International Falls broke their record low for August 29th with a midnight reading of 34 F.
The temperature continued to fall through the early morning of the 30th, reaching another record low for the day of 32 F.
The pre-dawn hours of Sunday and today saw widespread temperatures in the low to mid 30s across northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin.
Small Fire at AbitibiBowater
A small fire at the AbitibiBowater mill in Fort Frances drew the attention for firefighters with the Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Service early this morning.
Fire officials says slag from welders working on the roof of the building housing the papermachines went through a vent to cause the fire down below.
The fire, though, was quickly extinguished and caused little damage.
Fire officials says slag from welders working on the roof of the building housing the papermachines went through a vent to cause the fire down below.
The fire, though, was quickly extinguished and caused little damage.
Sabres Meeting
There was a strong show of support to maintain junior hockey in Fort Frances last night.
About forty people attended a public meeting to discuss continuance of the Fort Frances Sabres.
Director of Scouting Grant Perrault says he was encouraged by the response and the team will move ahead with the start of training camps this week.
Perrault says they're also kicking off a season ticket drive beginning tomorrow, Wednesday and Thursday at the Memorial Sports Centre from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. each day.
About forty people attended a public meeting to discuss continuance of the Fort Frances Sabres.
Director of Scouting Grant Perrault says he was encouraged by the response and the team will move ahead with the start of training camps this week.
Perrault says they're also kicking off a season ticket drive beginning tomorrow, Wednesday and Thursday at the Memorial Sports Centre from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. each day.
Local Area to Air on Television
Ontario Sunset Country Travel Association is gearing up for prime time.
The association received a grant of 218 thousand dollars to produce 26 television shows.
Executive Director, Gerry Cariou says production has already started.
"It's more like a travel log show as opposed to a traditional guy in a boat catching fish show," says Cariou. "There will be some of that, of course, as there is when you want to display that great product of ours, but there's a lot more to it. It's going to be the whole travel experience including I'm hopeful some urban destinations will come on board."
Cariou says most of the shows will be aired in the United States, and in Canada on Wild TV.
The association received a grant of 218 thousand dollars to produce 26 television shows.
Executive Director, Gerry Cariou says production has already started.
"It's more like a travel log show as opposed to a traditional guy in a boat catching fish show," says Cariou. "There will be some of that, of course, as there is when you want to display that great product of ours, but there's a lot more to it. It's going to be the whole travel experience including I'm hopeful some urban destinations will come on board."
Cariou says most of the shows will be aired in the United States, and in Canada on Wild TV.
Math Facilitator Being Hired
Catholic school teachers will get some assistance in the delivery of mathematics to their students.
The Northwest Catholic District School Board has received $100-thousand dollars from the province to hire a mathematics facilitator and another $35-thousand for travel and training purposes.
Education Director Mary-Catherine Kelly says the facilitator will lead to improved student learning.
"We currently have excellent math scores on EQAO," says Kelly, "but this is an opportunity to continue to build capacity of teachers and continue to grow and develop in the area of mathematics."
Kelly expects the position to be filled within the next week or so.
Repairs to Damaged Hydro Pole Continues
Crews with the Fort Frances Power Corporation expect to be resume their work at the corner of Portage Avenue and Second Street today to replace a hydro pole damaged last Friday.
Motorists travelling through the area should proceed with caution as traffic lights remain out.
A temporary four-way stop is in place until work is complete.
Motorists travelling through the area should proceed with caution as traffic lights remain out.
A temporary four-way stop is in place until work is complete.
Portage Underpass Opening This Week
The town of Fort Frances says the Portage Avenue underpass will open to traffic on Thursday.
Officials says there will be one lane of traffic opened that day with both lanes opening on Friday.
The underpass will be completely closed to traffic until then as paving of the roadway resumes.
The project is now into its 8th week, but officials says Friday's opening is 7 weeks ahead of initial forecasts.
Officials says there will be one lane of traffic opened that day with both lanes opening on Friday.
The underpass will be completely closed to traffic until then as paving of the roadway resumes.
The project is now into its 8th week, but officials says Friday's opening is 7 weeks ahead of initial forecasts.
Bass Tournament Successful
Warm, sunny weather helped bring hundreds of people out to Smoky Bear Park for the International Falls Bass Championship.
Board president Gary Potter says support on both sides of the border also made the tournament a success.
"Tremendous support from the community," says Potter, "and actually people from across the border. We had quite of few of them coming over and helping out. Plus the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship, we work so well together with our two tournaments. We share equipment and expertise and it's been mutual benefiting for both events."
Potter says they're already looking at some changes for next year.
Board president Gary Potter says support on both sides of the border also made the tournament a success.
"Tremendous support from the community," says Potter, "and actually people from across the border. We had quite of few of them coming over and helping out. Plus the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship, we work so well together with our two tournaments. We share equipment and expertise and it's been mutual benefiting for both events."
Potter says they're already looking at some changes for next year.
International Falls Anglers Win Local Tournee
Some history this weekend at the International Falls Bass Championship. this weekend.
John Cann and Ted Olson became the first anglers from the Falls to win the fishing tournament in its five year history.
Cann says they did so battling rough waters on Rainy Lake on the second day of the tournament.
"We fished the rough water all day to day," says Cann. "We didn't go behind islands or anything like that. We stayed out in the big water. My walleye boat worked really well. We got our first five fish within 15 minutes."
Cann and Olson's 28 pounds of bass was three pounds more than second place finishers Tyler Kocon of Duluth and Kyle Potter of the Falls.
John Cann and Ted Olson became the first anglers from the Falls to win the fishing tournament in its five year history.
Cann says they did so battling rough waters on Rainy Lake on the second day of the tournament.
"We fished the rough water all day to day," says Cann. "We didn't go behind islands or anything like that. We stayed out in the big water. My walleye boat worked really well. We got our first five fish within 15 minutes."
Cann and Olson's 28 pounds of bass was three pounds more than second place finishers Tyler Kocon of Duluth and Kyle Potter of the Falls.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Fort Frances Singers Reel in Cash
A last minute switch in music helped Brittany Hayes of Fort Frances win last night's Casting Call talent show in International Falls
Hayes captured the one-thousand dollar first place price with her rendition of Gladys Knight's "Midnight Train to Georgia."
Hayes planned to reprise the song she sang to win the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce's Quest for the Best in June, but changed selections after the background music for Janis Joplin's Cry Baby failed to work due to technical problems.
John Strieff of International Falls took 2nd singing Jerry Lee Louis' "Great Balls of Fire", and third place went to Mark Gierszewski and Dean Piekarski who brought Billy Currington's "People are Crazy" to life.
For the first time ever, the People's Choice award was a tie with the prize split between 86-year-old Corrine "Corky" Brindos who sang Bill Haley's "Rock Around the Clock" and Gierszewski and Piekarski.
Dylan Ossachuck, also of Fort Frances, won the teen idol portion of the competitions.
Hayes captured the one-thousand dollar first place price with her rendition of Gladys Knight's "Midnight Train to Georgia."
Hayes planned to reprise the song she sang to win the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce's Quest for the Best in June, but changed selections after the background music for Janis Joplin's Cry Baby failed to work due to technical problems.
John Strieff of International Falls took 2nd singing Jerry Lee Louis' "Great Balls of Fire", and third place went to Mark Gierszewski and Dean Piekarski who brought Billy Currington's "People are Crazy" to life.
For the first time ever, the People's Choice award was a tie with the prize split between 86-year-old Corrine "Corky" Brindos who sang Bill Haley's "Rock Around the Clock" and Gierszewski and Piekarski.
Dylan Ossachuck, also of Fort Frances, won the teen idol portion of the competitions.
International Falls Bass Fishing Begins
The fishing gets underway this morning at the 5th annual International Falls Bass Championship.
Sixty teams will fish either Rainy River or Rainy Lake today then switch bodies of water the next day.
President Gary Potter says water levels could be a factor for anglers.
"The river has thrown us a curve ball this summer," says Potter. "Everyone's wishing for more water in the river well this year they got it. It's about 8 feet higher than its ever been and the fish have changed position. The water's about a foot higher in the lake, at least a couple of feet, it's at the top of the rule curve and I think the fish have changed positions in the lake as well."
Weigh-ins at Smoky Bear Park begin at about 3 p.m. both days.
The Sioux Narrows team of Dave Bennett and Mike Salvador are the defending champions.
Sixty teams will fish either Rainy River or Rainy Lake today then switch bodies of water the next day.
President Gary Potter says water levels could be a factor for anglers.
"The river has thrown us a curve ball this summer," says Potter. "Everyone's wishing for more water in the river well this year they got it. It's about 8 feet higher than its ever been and the fish have changed position. The water's about a foot higher in the lake, at least a couple of feet, it's at the top of the rule curve and I think the fish have changed positions in the lake as well."
Weigh-ins at Smoky Bear Park begin at about 3 p.m. both days.
The Sioux Narrows team of Dave Bennett and Mike Salvador are the defending champions.
High School Teachers Plan for H1N1
Their union says Ontario high school teachers who are pregnant or immune-compromised should not have to work in a school where they would be exposed to H1N1 flu.
The president of the Secondary School Teachers' Federation says they're developing plans in case an H1N1 pandemic materializes in schools this fall and winter.
Teachers who are considered vulnerable would be taken out of class if there is an "elevated'' chance of contracting the illness.
The president of the Secondary School Teachers' Federation says they're developing plans in case an H1N1 pandemic materializes in schools this fall and winter.
Teachers who are considered vulnerable would be taken out of class if there is an "elevated'' chance of contracting the illness.
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