A second portable classroom is being set up at J-W Walker School in Fort Frances to handle an increase in students at that school.
Trustees with the Rainy River District School Board approved a contract with a southern Ontario firm to have the classroom in place by the middle of the month.
Education Director Jack McMaster says the extra space is seen as only temporary, but addresses the need to bring class sizes down to the required limit.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Public Board Enrollments Up Slightly
Schools only opened yesterday, but the Rainy River District School Board is seeing a slight increase to its projected enrollments.
The board anticipated a 3-per cent decline going into the new year.
Education Director Jack McMaster says early readings of the first day numbers show a slight increase.
"It's not that our enrollment is increasing," says McMaster. "We know that in every board there is declining enrolment, so we try to project. In the last three years, we're realizing enrollments above our projections, and that's good thing."
McMaster says there are several factors contributing to higher number the board will examine further in the coming days.
The board anticipated a 3-per cent decline going into the new year.
Education Director Jack McMaster says early readings of the first day numbers show a slight increase.
"It's not that our enrollment is increasing," says McMaster. "We know that in every board there is declining enrolment, so we try to project. In the last three years, we're realizing enrollments above our projections, and that's good thing."
McMaster says there are several factors contributing to higher number the board will examine further in the coming days.
Election Call Questioned
Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff says he has no confidence in Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his ``time is up.''
The Liberals plan to introduce a motion of non-confidence in the House of Commons in early October, a move that is expect to force a fall election.
But Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty says it remains to be seen if Ignatieff move ahead with the threat.
"I guess seeing is believing," says Rafferty. "Seventy-nine times since 2006, there's been confidence votes where the Liberal backed down."
Rafferty says while he doesn't think an election is warranted, he is prepared to fight one.
The Liberals plan to introduce a motion of non-confidence in the House of Commons in early October, a move that is expect to force a fall election.
But Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty says it remains to be seen if Ignatieff move ahead with the threat.
"I guess seeing is believing," says Rafferty. "Seventy-nine times since 2006, there's been confidence votes where the Liberal backed down."
Rafferty says while he doesn't think an election is warranted, he is prepared to fight one.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
National Chief Weighs in on Mining Dispute
The Assembly of First Nations is weighing into the ongoing dispute between Kitchennuhmaykoosib Inninwug First Nation and the exploration company Platinex.
National Chief Shawn Atleo is urging the province to consult with the first nation community on a land use plan, suggesting mining permits be cancelled until the plan is complete.
Platinex wants to resume exploration on property near the community, something the band is opposing.
National Chief Shawn Atleo is urging the province to consult with the first nation community on a land use plan, suggesting mining permits be cancelled until the plan is complete.
Platinex wants to resume exploration on property near the community, something the band is opposing.
Underpass Opening Tomorrow
The reopening of the Portage Avenue underpass is happening a little sooner than planned.
The roadway in Fort Frances was scheduled to reopen to one lane of traffic Thursday, but officials with the town now say both lanes will be open beginning tomorrow morning at 8 o'clock.
Paving is expected to be completed by the end of today.
There is still some work outstanding, but officials says it should not impede further on traffic flows.
The roadway in Fort Frances was scheduled to reopen to one lane of traffic Thursday, but officials with the town now say both lanes will be open beginning tomorrow morning at 8 o'clock.
Paving is expected to be completed by the end of today.
There is still some work outstanding, but officials says it should not impede further on traffic flows.
Sabers Ticket Drive Underway
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.
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.
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.
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