Fishing Licenses in Minnesota Going Up

An increase in the fishing and hunting license fees in Minnesota is possible.

A Minnesota State panel has given it blessing to hikes to avert potential deep cuts to the state's fisheries and wildlife programs.

More Great Weather

More weather records for the Rainy River district.

Yesterday's high of 12.6 C in Fort Frances just edged the old mark of 12.5 C set back in 1995.

Atikokan's high of 11.4 C was a full degree over the previous record set in 2007.

Putting the "Home" Back in the Home Show

The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce is hoping to put a little more "Home" into this year's Home and Leisure Show.

Manager Anthony Mason says they aim to have this May's show focus heavily on the home improvement side.

The show will be held May 10 and 11, a week later than usual to avoid conflicts with other home shows.

Question of the Week

A number of community organizations in the Fort Frances area are struggling to find volunteers.

Do you see the problem being a lack of interest or a lack of time?

Let us know on our website 931theborder.ca.

Medical Officer of Health Seeks Input

The medical officer of health for the Northwestern Health Unit says its going to take a community-wide approach in dealing with the withdrawl of oxycontin.

But Doctor James Arthur says placing blame on the reasons for its high use in Ontario is not the answer.

Arthurs is inviting area residents to offer their opinions through an email set up on the Health Unit's website.

He's encouraging people to identify solutions than offer criticism to talkpublichealth@nwhudot.on.ca.

Task Force Seeks Input

A task force wants to hear from area residents about incidents of abuse and neglect in the long term senior homes.

A number of high profile cases led to the independent committee being formed.

Chair Gail Donner says they've set up a website to gather comment.

Comments to  longtermcaretaskforce.ca must be made by next Monday.

Volunteers Wanted

The Alzheimer's Society of Kenora-Rainy River has launched a recruitment drive.

Executive Director Lynn Moffatt says they are looking for all kinds of help.

Moffatt says one-on-one with volunteers ensures they are matched with an enjoyable and appropriate position.

For more information, call 1-800-682-0245 or e-mail info@alzheimerkrr.com

Most Won't Miss an End to Canada Day Events

The Fun in the Sun Committee's decision to curtail plans for this year's Canada Day celebrations in Fort Frances isn't getting much null from local residents.

A poll by 931theborder.ca finds 60 per cent of respondents saying they won't miss events not being held.

The volunteer-run committee ended plans because it couldn't find enough volunteers to run events.

Students Earn Visit to South America

Two Confederation College students from the Fort Frances area are looking to further their education opportunities in Chile and Brazil.

Kristina Webb and Sherry Sinclair have been chosen to take part in a summer studies program.

They'll be learning Spanish and Portuguese while teaching English and volunteering on a number of projects.

They're now working to raises money for the trip.

The first year students of the Police, Security and Investigations program will hold a spaghetti dinner next Tuesday at the East End Hall to raise funds for the trip.

Campbell Urge Continued Pressure on Health Minister

Residents are being urged to keep up the pressure on Ontario's Health Minister for changes that resolves a doctor shortage in Rainy River.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says assurances from Deb Matthews that the Rainy River Health Centre's emergency room won't close when the lone doctor leaves is not a complete fix to the problem.

Campbell says a letter campaign started by residents in Rainy River needs to continue to bring more long-term solutions.

Osisko Seeks Public Input

Osisko Mining is exploring the environmental and socio-economic impacts of its planned gold mine near Atikokan.

The company held open houses in Atikokan and Fort Frances on the weekend to gather public input.

Spokesperson Alexandra Drapack says they're working towards completion of a feasibility study.

The company is also undergoing environmental assessment processes with both the federal and provincial governments.

Wage Hike Ups Council Earnings

An increase in salaries helped push up the amount paid out to members of Fort Frances town council last year.

A total of $135-thousand was earned by Mayor Roy Avis and the six councillors through salaries, conference expenses and per diems.

That's about $10-thousand higher that 2010, mostly because of a salary bump approved at the beginning of the four-year term.

Weather Records Set on Weekend

Spring like weather led to records across northwestern Ontario and Koochiching County on the weekend.

Fort Frances' Saturday temperature of 14.4 C surpassed the old mark of 11.1 C set in 1977

Highs of 16.2 C on Sunday in both the Fort and Atikokan shattered previous records set four year ago.

Temperature of 59 F on Saturday and 61 F Sunday were also records for International Falls.

Some Campsites Won't Open

Some campsites within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area won't be open this spring because of a forest fire last year.

The U.S. Forest Service expects as many as 76 campsites on 23 lakes to be unavailable in a hangover from last year's big Pagami Creek fire.

Standing scorched trees and burned latrines among issues still be addressed.

Kony Video Spurs Local Action

A campaign to raise global awareness of a brutal Central Africa rebel leader is gaining attention in Fort Frances.

Dexter Fischuk, who heads the high school group Fort Frances Mobilizers, formerly Saving Faces, says they're initiating a poster campaign to help educate residents about militia leader Joseph Kony.

Fischuk says their action was spurred by a You-Tube video that's attracting millions of viewers each day.

Another Award Nomination for Wilde

More accolades for Atikokan blue's artist Sunday Wilde.

Her Album "What man? Oh THAT man!!!" has been nominated for a Northern Ontario Music and Film in Motions Award.

The winners will be announced April 28 in Sudbury

Highway to Close

A section of Highway 602 near Fort Frances will be closed later this summer.

The Ministry of Transportation intends to replace a culvert located just north of the Bone Road sometime in July or August.

It's looking at installing a modular type system similar to one put in place last year at Wolf Creek, south of Emo.

The work would force Highway 602 between the Bone Road and Oakwood Drive to be closed for two to three weeks.

Atikokan CEO Find New Job

Atikokan is losing its Chief Administrative Officer.

Andre Morin is taking on a position with the city of Stratford at the end of April.

Mayor Dennis Brown says council will discuss how to replace him at its meeting Monday.

Morin has been with the town for the past eight years, initially hired on as its treasurer.

Men Charges in Illegal Gun Trade Investigation

Four men from the Rainy River district have been charged following a four-month police investigation into the illegal transfer of firearms in northwestern Ontario.

Treaty Three Police with the OPP's Provincial Weapons Enforcement Unit, began their probe last November.

The men,  two from Manitou Rapids, one from Barwick and another from Couchiching face a variety of charges.

Police says more charge are pending.

MNR Fighting Invasive Species on Border Waters

The Ministry of Natural Resource says it works regularly with their counterparts in Minnesota in dealing with invasive species impacting border waters in this area.

Spokesperson Michelle Novak says the MNR is also very active with its own initiatives.

Koochiching County commissioners said last week it want more cooperation between the Ontario and Minnesota agencies in protecting the waters from invasive species.