LHINS Take On Doc

Ontario's local health integration networks will be given responsibility for family doctors.

The CEO of the Northwest LHIN, Laura Kokocinski, says her organization is prepared to make it work.

Health Minister Deb Matthews says the LHIN's will help ensure patients have a more seamless experience between doctor and hospital.

Riding Changes Possible

There could be changes coming to federal ridings in northwestern Ontario as the government looks to add 15 new seats for Ontario

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty foresees at least part of his riding being added to the Kenora riding.

Rafferty also envisions northern Ontario losing one of two ridings.

Little Interest in Regional Airport Concept

There hasn't been an overwhelming favourable response from communities elsewhere in the Rainy River district to help fund the Fort Frances airport.

The town has been trying to promote the idea of a regional airport for more than a year, but CAO Mark McCaig says only Chapple and Emo has expressed interest.

McCaig says there has also been some interest from area First Nations.

Police Step up Drunk Driving Enforcement

Motorists traveling to Duluth may see an increased police presence.

St. Louis County is one of thirteen Minnesota counties where efforts to curb drunk driving will be stepped up.

Officers will use electronic message boards and heavy patrols.

Media ads will also encourage people to avoid driving while impaired.

Snowarama Success

Organizers of the Snowarama for Easter Seals in Atikokan hit their fundraising goal.

Sixty-five snowmobilers helped to raise over $20-thousand in Saturday's ride.

That's over the $19,700 raised last year by about the same number of riders.

Audit Committee Needs Member

The Northwest Catholic District School Board is still looking to add a community member to a newly formed Audit Committee.

The committee is responsible for reviewing how well the board manages its finances.

It's been in place since September.

Area Mayors Seek Faster Uploading of Court Costs

Municipal leaders from the Rainy River district want the province to take back the cost of court security quicker than it is.

The uploading of those costs will be done over six years, starting this year.

But the area municipal representatives want the cost of those services taken back in full immediately.

Girl Struck By Vehicle near Duluth

A Fort Frances girl has escaped serious injury after being struck by a pick-up truck north of Duluth.

The incident happened Friday afternoon..

Minnesota State Patrol says the 12-year-old ran in front of traffic while her mother had stopped to assist another vehicle that left Highway 53 near Cotton.

Police says the girl had ignored a warning from her mother to stay in the vehicle.

She was taken to hospital in Virginia where she was treated and released.

Area Mayors Support Need for Resident Judge

Municipal leaders across the Rainy River district are supporting calls for the reappointment of a permanent resident judge for the district.

A lengthy resolution was passed at their weekend meeting in Devlin that will be forwarded to the Attorney General and the Regional Chief Justice.

Fort Frances lawyer Wes Derkson encourages area mayors and reeves to keep up the fight.

The province intends to have the appointment relocated to the Kenora district after the current judge leaves the area in May.

Extra Ambulance Costs Consider

The head of ambulance services for the Rainy River district says it could cost $640-thousand extra to deal with a potential closure of the Rainy River Health Centre's emergency department.

Dan McCormick says another ambulance unit would be needed to help deal with patient transfers if the hospital can't find the doctors it needs.

McCormick says about 35 per cent of the estimated ambulance costs would be borne by area municipalities who will likely have to lobby the province for help.

Health Minister Speaks Today

Health Minister Deb Matthews will outline some of the Liberal government's plans to transform Ontario's health care system in a Toronto speech today.

But the Ontario Health Coalition is not happy to hear Matthews' speech will be to the Toronto Board of Trade -- calling it inappropriate.

HST Increase Panned

Atikokan is receiving virtually no support from elsewhere in the Rainy River district to its idea of having the HST increased a per cent to help pay for infrastructure projects.

Area municipal leaders voted against the proposal at their weekend meeting in Devlin.

Atikokan Mayor Dennis Brown says based on the lack of support, it's doubtful they will pursue the idea further.

Kendrick Gone

Ontario Provincial Police are looking for a new Detachment Commander for the Rainy River district.

Inspector John Kendrick has been transferred to Thunder Bay where he's become the OPP's Regional Director of Operations Support.

Steve Shouldice, who's been serving in an acting capacity since last October, will remain as Detachment Commander until a permanent selection is made.

Heart of the Arts Benefit Concert

Planning for the first ever ‘Heart of the Arts’ Benefit Concert continues.

Wanda Botsford, one of the organizers, says they're still looking for people interested in participating in the February 16 event.

The event is being used to showcase local talent and raise funds for the Sunset Country Métis and the Rainy River Arts Collective.

Question of the Day - January 30

78 per cent of respondents to our poll question don't think last week's meeting between the Prime Minister and First Nations leaders was beneficial.

Today's question, should the federal government move the eligibility age for Old Age Security from 65 to 67?

Let us know on our website www.931TheBorder.ca.

Job Cuts at Resolute

Some numbers are starting to emerge from ongoing talk of suspected jobs cuts at Resolute Forest Products mill in Fort Frances.

National president for the Communication, Energy and Paperworkers Union Kim Ginter says 45 members within the mill's CEP's locals are being let go .

He says some may be allowed early retirement packages.

The kraft mill resumed operations on this weekend.

Provincial Liberals Stronger in Riding

Provincial Liberals in the Kenora-Rainy River riding are looking to increase its membership base.

A newly formed riding Association set its objectives following a recent meeting in Dryden.

It's president, Anthony Leek of Emo, says the main goal is to provide a link between the Riding and government.

Leek says the Association also wants to be better prepared for the next provincial election.

Hudak Wants More Skilled Workers

The Leader of the Provincial Opposition wants changes to the apprenticeship program.

Tim Hudak was in Thunder Bay Thursday and says a major shortage in skilled workers needs to be addressed.

Hudak is hoping the McGuinty government adopts his plan that will create 200 thousand new jobs in the skilled trades.

C-Sections Not Delisted

C-sections are not on the table as the province looks for ways to rein in the deficit.

That's the word from Health Minister Deb Matthews.

The minister had suggested earlier last week that caesarean sections could be delisted.

She now says OHIP will keep paying for C-sections, but she left the door open to having the procedure covered only when it's deemed medically necessary.

Oberholtzer Home Getting Upgrade

The former Rainy Lake home of Ernest Oberholtzer will get some much needed upgrades this year.

The Foundation bearing the name of the well-known architect, explorer and conservationist has received a $48-thousand grant from the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Society.

Director Mary Swalla-Holmes says the money will be used to repair the home's fireplace and chimney.

The work on the home on Mallard Island will be done in the fall.