The NEXUS Enrolment Centre opens is doors in Fort Frances today.
The centre is to be located at 301 Scott Street.
Area Port Director for the U-S Customs and Border Protection Christine Lessard says the move from International Falls will help deliver the program more effectively.
"It was felt this would give us a bigger and better space with easier access for customers," says Lessard.
The centre serves as an interview site for those applying for the NEXUS card, considered an acceptable form of identification to cross the border.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Border Water Patrols Enhanced
Canada and the U.S. governments are giving more powers to authorities to police force border waters.
A framework agreement will allow specially designated Canadian and American law enforcement personnel to jointly work on marine law enforcement vessels in boundary waters, such as Rainy Lake and Lake of the Woods.
Justice Minister Rob Nicholson says the officers will have the powers to enforce laws from both sides of the border.
"This will enhance our security on both sides of the border," says Nicholson, "by reducing smuggling and trafficking illegal drugs, guns and people."
Nicholson says its hoped to have the new units in place next summer.
A framework agreement will allow specially designated Canadian and American law enforcement personnel to jointly work on marine law enforcement vessels in boundary waters, such as Rainy Lake and Lake of the Woods.
Justice Minister Rob Nicholson says the officers will have the powers to enforce laws from both sides of the border.
"This will enhance our security on both sides of the border," says Nicholson, "by reducing smuggling and trafficking illegal drugs, guns and people."
Nicholson says its hoped to have the new units in place next summer.
CN Locomotive Engineers Strike
Canadian National Railway locomotive engineers walked off the job at Midnight Friday after mediated contract talks collapsed.
Pickets were set up across northwestern Ontario including in the Rainy River district.
CN communications director, Mark Hallman, says supervisors and managers who are qualified engineers are taking over operation of the locomotives to minimize any possible disruption of freight service.
Teamsters union spokesman Stephane Lacroix says the dispute centres on CN's demands to limit a wage increase to 1.5 per cent and to revise mileage caps for the engineers.
With no further contract talks scheduled, the railway is pushing for binding arbitration to settle the dispute.
The union is offering to submit wage issues to binding arbitration on the conditional that all other outstanding issues are resolved at the bargaining table.
Meantime, a senior government official says Ottawa is prepared to table back-to-work legislation today to end the strike if the two sides haven't reached an agreement.
The official, who declined to be named, said the government would prefer the union and the company to negotiate but to protect the Canadian economy it could not let the strike continue.
Pickets were set up across northwestern Ontario including in the Rainy River district.
CN communications director, Mark Hallman, says supervisors and managers who are qualified engineers are taking over operation of the locomotives to minimize any possible disruption of freight service.
Teamsters union spokesman Stephane Lacroix says the dispute centres on CN's demands to limit a wage increase to 1.5 per cent and to revise mileage caps for the engineers.
With no further contract talks scheduled, the railway is pushing for binding arbitration to settle the dispute.
The union is offering to submit wage issues to binding arbitration on the conditional that all other outstanding issues are resolved at the bargaining table.
Meantime, a senior government official says Ottawa is prepared to table back-to-work legislation today to end the strike if the two sides haven't reached an agreement.
The official, who declined to be named, said the government would prefer the union and the company to negotiate but to protect the Canadian economy it could not let the strike continue.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Local Sports for Friday November 27
Fort Frances Lakers managed just 18 shots in a 4-2 loss to the K and A Wolverines in Thunder Bay last night.
The teams were tied 2-2 in the second with the Lakers getting markers from Jake Ransom and Morgan McNeill before the Wolverines scored twice in the third for the win.
Netminder Jameson Shortreed stopped 53 of 57 shots in the loss.
Fort Frances Canadians host the Gus Lindberg Memorial Midget AA hockey tournament at the Memorial Sport Centre this weekend.
Six teams have entered with the Canadians playing their first game tonight against Kenora's Saint Thomas Aquinas at 6:15 p.m.
Nor-Fab Flames Peewee Girls and the Dynamic Homes Hurricanes Atom Girls teams are in tournaments in Warroad this weekend.
Nor-Fab opens play tonight against Warroad while the Hurricanes begin the tournament with a game against Roseau tomorrow.
In high school hockey, Fort Frances Muskies boys team travels to Detroit Lakes for a pair of exhibition games while the girls team is in Dryden for a tournament.
The girls first game is this afternoon against Sioux Lookout.
Atikokan is the host site of the Junior Men's and Women's Inter-Regional Curling Playdown.
Seven men's and four women's teams are competing in the 3-day Tournament.
Fort Frances is represented by Ethan Jordbro's rink on the men's side and Tirzah Keffer on the women's.
The teams were tied 2-2 in the second with the Lakers getting markers from Jake Ransom and Morgan McNeill before the Wolverines scored twice in the third for the win.
Netminder Jameson Shortreed stopped 53 of 57 shots in the loss.
Fort Frances Canadians host the Gus Lindberg Memorial Midget AA hockey tournament at the Memorial Sport Centre this weekend.
Six teams have entered with the Canadians playing their first game tonight against Kenora's Saint Thomas Aquinas at 6:15 p.m.
Nor-Fab Flames Peewee Girls and the Dynamic Homes Hurricanes Atom Girls teams are in tournaments in Warroad this weekend.
Nor-Fab opens play tonight against Warroad while the Hurricanes begin the tournament with a game against Roseau tomorrow.
In high school hockey, Fort Frances Muskies boys team travels to Detroit Lakes for a pair of exhibition games while the girls team is in Dryden for a tournament.
The girls first game is this afternoon against Sioux Lookout.
Atikokan is the host site of the Junior Men's and Women's Inter-Regional Curling Playdown.
Seven men's and four women's teams are competing in the 3-day Tournament.
Fort Frances is represented by Ethan Jordbro's rink on the men's side and Tirzah Keffer on the women's.
Out-of-Province Health Visits Increase
Health Minister Deb Matthews says she's trying to tackle a huge increase in out-of-province visits covered by Ontario health insurance.
A new report says Ontario agreed to fund almost 12-thousand procedures or treatments outside the province last year, up from about 2-thousand in 2001.
Matthews says the government is putting more money into reducing those visits.
A new report says Ontario agreed to fund almost 12-thousand procedures or treatments outside the province last year, up from about 2-thousand in 2001.
Matthews says the government is putting more money into reducing those visits.
More Flu Clinics Here
The Northwestern Health Unit has unveiled its December schedule for vaccinations clinics for the H1H1 flu.
Clinics in Rainy River, Fort Frances and Atikokan have been scheduled through to the middle of December.
But in other parts of the province they appear to be coming to an end - despite the fact that many people have not got the shot.
Public health units in Hamilton and Stratford plan to close their clinics next week, saying demand for shots is dropping.
Clinics in Rainy River, Fort Frances and Atikokan have been scheduled through to the middle of December.
But in other parts of the province they appear to be coming to an end - despite the fact that many people have not got the shot.
Public health units in Hamilton and Stratford plan to close their clinics next week, saying demand for shots is dropping.
Legal Aid Boycot Grows
A boycott of the legal aid system in Ontario could be widening to include all offences.
The Criminal Lawyers' Association is considering its options but some lawyers are pushing hard for an escalated protest to back demands for higher fees.
The boycott now only applies to cases involving guns and gangs and homicides.
Lawyers voluntarily take on legal aid work so the government can't force them back to work.
The Criminal Lawyers' Association is considering its options but some lawyers are pushing hard for an escalated protest to back demands for higher fees.
The boycott now only applies to cases involving guns and gangs and homicides.
Lawyers voluntarily take on legal aid work so the government can't force them back to work.
Lodge Burns
OPP say foul play is not suspected in a fire that destroyed a tourist camp in northwestern Ontario.
Yesterday's fire levelled the main lodge at Cedar Point Lodge near Waldhof, west of Dryden.
No one was injured.
Yesterday's fire levelled the main lodge at Cedar Point Lodge near Waldhof, west of Dryden.
No one was injured.
Donations Wanted
The Salvation Army will be seeking donations of non-perishable foods and money from parade goers.
They'll be aided in tomorrow's parade by staff and management of B-93 and other volunteers.
Captain Angel Sandoval is hoping people will help out.
"We expect people will provide economical contributions," says Sandoval, " food and gifts. Everything is welcome. We have a big increase in the number of people asking for help this year."
Sandoval cites the economy as a reason for the increase.
They'll be aided in tomorrow's parade by staff and management of B-93 and other volunteers.
Captain Angel Sandoval is hoping people will help out.
"We expect people will provide economical contributions," says Sandoval, " food and gifts. Everything is welcome. We have a big increase in the number of people asking for help this year."
Sandoval cites the economy as a reason for the increase.
Parade of Lights Tomorrow
The fifty-second annual Parade of Lights goes tomorrow evening in Fort Frances.
More than 20 organizations have confirmed entry to date.
Set up takes place at 3 p.m. in front of the Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau with judging at 4 p.m. and the parade starting at 5 p.m.
While not prohibited, parade organizers are asking motorists to avoid parking on Scott Street until the parade is over.
More than 20 organizations have confirmed entry to date.
Set up takes place at 3 p.m. in front of the Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau with judging at 4 p.m. and the parade starting at 5 p.m.
While not prohibited, parade organizers are asking motorists to avoid parking on Scott Street until the parade is over.
RIDE Program Out in Force
The Ontario Provincial Police kick off their 2009 Holiday RIDE campaign today.
The Province wide initiative will wraps up on January 2.
Constable Dave Cain says holiday party guests shouldn't feel their only option is to drink and drive.
"We're reminding the public that there is no excuse for drinking and driving," says Cain. "There are many other ways to get home whether you take a cab or arrange ahead of time for a designated driver."
Last year, OPP laid more than 300 impaired driving charges on Ontario's roads.
The Province wide initiative will wraps up on January 2.
Constable Dave Cain says holiday party guests shouldn't feel their only option is to drink and drive.
"We're reminding the public that there is no excuse for drinking and driving," says Cain. "There are many other ways to get home whether you take a cab or arrange ahead of time for a designated driver."
Last year, OPP laid more than 300 impaired driving charges on Ontario's roads.
CAS Commission Announced
The Ontario government has appointed a promised commission to study the workings of the children's aid system.
It follows complaints Children's Aid Societies are not able to do a proper job of protecting children with their current budgets.
Premier Dalton McGuinty has refused to commit new money, saying his government has raised budgets by 30 per cent.
Critics have said children were at risk of being left in abusive homes and are facing higher suicide rates in one part of northern Ontario.
They also complained the promised commission had yet to get off the ground.
Laurel Broten, the minister of children and youth services,announced the appointment of the commission Thursday.
Broten says the commission is an opportunity "to find creative solutions to improve services children and youth are receiving in Ontario within available resources.''
It follows complaints Children's Aid Societies are not able to do a proper job of protecting children with their current budgets.
Premier Dalton McGuinty has refused to commit new money, saying his government has raised budgets by 30 per cent.
Critics have said children were at risk of being left in abusive homes and are facing higher suicide rates in one part of northern Ontario.
They also complained the promised commission had yet to get off the ground.
Laurel Broten, the minister of children and youth services,announced the appointment of the commission Thursday.
Broten says the commission is an opportunity "to find creative solutions to improve services children and youth are receiving in Ontario within available resources.''
Pikangikum Help Needed
An appeal for supplies for children and youth in Pikangikum First Nation has generated a strong response in the Rainy River District.
Family and Children Services Rainy River is spearheading the drive after responding to pleas for food and clothing from Sioux Lookout's Tikinagan Child and Family Services.
Jacquee Loerzel says a variety of items are still needed.
"We're looking for things like cases of enfamil infant formula with iron," says Loerzel, "cases of diapers sizes 4 to 6, winter clothing including hats, mitts, boots and jackets for infants, children and youth. We're also looking for fleece blankets, ski pants and wool socks. We're also looking for non-perishable food items."
The items can be brought to Beaver Mills in Rainy River, Cloverleaf in Emo, Walmart and Safeway in Fort Frances or to FACS offices in Fort Frances and Atikokan.
Family and Children Services Rainy River is spearheading the drive after responding to pleas for food and clothing from Sioux Lookout's Tikinagan Child and Family Services.
Jacquee Loerzel says a variety of items are still needed.
"We're looking for things like cases of enfamil infant formula with iron," says Loerzel, "cases of diapers sizes 4 to 6, winter clothing including hats, mitts, boots and jackets for infants, children and youth. We're also looking for fleece blankets, ski pants and wool socks. We're also looking for non-perishable food items."
The items can be brought to Beaver Mills in Rainy River, Cloverleaf in Emo, Walmart and Safeway in Fort Frances or to FACS offices in Fort Frances and Atikokan.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Local Sports for Thursday November 26
Fort Frances Lakers travel to Thunder Bay today for a game against the K & A Wolverines.
The Lakers trail the Wolverines by three points for fourth place in the SIJHL.
The top two teams go head-to-head tonight in the Fort Frances Women's Volleyball League.
2nd-place Gillions insurance is 3-points back of league leading A Buck or Two as both teams have pulled away from the rest of the field in the standings.
Third place has turned into a battle before the Wildcats, the Wenbergs, Scared Hitless and Lac La Croix.
The Lakers trail the Wolverines by three points for fourth place in the SIJHL.
The top two teams go head-to-head tonight in the Fort Frances Women's Volleyball League.
2nd-place Gillions insurance is 3-points back of league leading A Buck or Two as both teams have pulled away from the rest of the field in the standings.
Third place has turned into a battle before the Wildcats, the Wenbergs, Scared Hitless and Lac La Croix.
Air Service Plan Put Forward
An early morning departure and an evening return flight to Falls International Airport have been included in a new proposal from Mesaba Airlines.
The new proposal comes after Mesaba’s initial offer for air passenger service was rejected by the U-S Department of Transportation in October.
City and airport officials had expressed concerns with its scheduled that offered flights during the mid-afternoon.
Mesaba, which was acquired by Delta as part of its merger with Northwest Airlines, was the only carrier to submit a proposal for the Falls airport.
The new proposal comes after Mesaba’s initial offer for air passenger service was rejected by the U-S Department of Transportation in October.
City and airport officials had expressed concerns with its scheduled that offered flights during the mid-afternoon.
Mesaba, which was acquired by Delta as part of its merger with Northwest Airlines, was the only carrier to submit a proposal for the Falls airport.
Sid Ryan Heads OFL
Sid Ryan is to be named president of the Ontario Federal of Labour at a convention in Toronto today.
The longtime CUPE Ontario president replaces Wayne Samuelson who, after 12 years in office, decided not to seek re-election.
The longtime CUPE Ontario president replaces Wayne Samuelson who, after 12 years in office, decided not to seek re-election.
Elk Plan Drafted
An elk management plan has been drafted to deal with the population of the animals in the province.
Elk numbers have exploded in the Bancroft area, but have dropped off in the Cameron Lake area near Nestor Falls.
Christie Curly of the Ministry of Natural Resources says while there are no plans to import more elk to Ontario, there has been some discussion of moving elk from one area to another.
"The plan doesn't have the answer in it," says Curly. "What it does say is that trans-location, that relocation of animals from one location to another, is often suggested as a potential management tool. We really need to review the risks and benefits associated on a case-by-case basis."
The MNR began importing elk into Ontario from Alberta about a decade ago with mixed results.
Elk numbers have exploded in the Bancroft area, but have dropped off in the Cameron Lake area near Nestor Falls.
Christie Curly of the Ministry of Natural Resources says while there are no plans to import more elk to Ontario, there has been some discussion of moving elk from one area to another.
"The plan doesn't have the answer in it," says Curly. "What it does say is that trans-location, that relocation of animals from one location to another, is often suggested as a potential management tool. We really need to review the risks and benefits associated on a case-by-case basis."
The MNR began importing elk into Ontario from Alberta about a decade ago with mixed results.
Drivers Getting the Message - Not to Text
Ontario's cellphone ban is one month old today and police say most people seem to be getting the hang of it.
But a lot of drivers are having a hard time giving up the dangerous habit of talking or texting while driving.
So far, OPP have given out more than 1,100 warnings and about two dozen tickets.
None of the tickets have been issued by police in the Rainy River district.
But a lot of drivers are having a hard time giving up the dangerous habit of talking or texting while driving.
So far, OPP have given out more than 1,100 warnings and about two dozen tickets.
None of the tickets have been issued by police in the Rainy River district.
Human Remains Identified
Human remains found north of Pickle Lake are those of a 51-year-old Kitchener man.
Jeffery Boyd had been reported missing to Waterloo Regional Police on November 8th.
His body was discovered by a hunter on Saturday, 65 kilometres north of Pickle Lake.
Police are not releasing the cause of death although they say an investigation continues into why Boyd was in a remote part of northwestern Ontario.
Jeffery Boyd had been reported missing to Waterloo Regional Police on November 8th.
His body was discovered by a hunter on Saturday, 65 kilometres north of Pickle Lake.
Police are not releasing the cause of death although they say an investigation continues into why Boyd was in a remote part of northwestern Ontario.
New Centre Name
The Atikokan Crisis Centre has come up with a new name.
It's to be called the Rainy River District Women's Shelter of Hope.
Executive Director Donna Kroocmo says the name was selected by the board out of several offered by an Atikokan resident.
"That one stuck with them," says Kroocmo. "and they liked that word 'hope.' They tried to incorporate into the new idea of the Rainy River district versus Atikokan. I know it's wordy and length but they way they've done it with the logo and the umbrella over the top of name it looks very nice and works very well."
Kroomo says it could be up to a year before they can incorporate the name because of the legal process necessary for a name-change.
It's to be called the Rainy River District Women's Shelter of Hope.
Executive Director Donna Kroocmo says the name was selected by the board out of several offered by an Atikokan resident.
"That one stuck with them," says Kroocmo. "and they liked that word 'hope.' They tried to incorporate into the new idea of the Rainy River district versus Atikokan. I know it's wordy and length but they way they've done it with the logo and the umbrella over the top of name it looks very nice and works very well."
Kroomo says it could be up to a year before they can incorporate the name because of the legal process necessary for a name-change.
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