It's Odd Job Week across Canada
The week promotes Service Canada's Youth Employment Centre and encourages local businesses and residents to consider hiring a youth even for just a few hours.
Local Youth Services Officer Dayna Debendet says no job can be too small.
"They can be some like housework, yard work, landscaping or babysitting," says Debenedet. "You file your job with us and we'll send it out to students and see who's interested."
Debenedet says they be promoting the importance of odd jobs for students through booths at Canadian Tire today and Walmart on Wednesday with leaflets being distributed around the community.
There will also be a BBQ Friday with NCDS.
Monday, July 6, 2009
H1N1 Flu Numbers Rise
Northwestern Ontario continues to be one of the busiest in terms of active cases of the H1N1 flu virus.
The Ministry of Health says there were 15 new confirmed cases of the virus this past week in the Northwestern Health Unit catchment area, which includes cases in the area's remote first nation communities.
There are currently 49 active cases of H1N1 in this region. There are just five in the Thunder Bay District Health Unit.
The Ministry of Health says there were 15 new confirmed cases of the virus this past week in the Northwestern Health Unit catchment area, which includes cases in the area's remote first nation communities.
There are currently 49 active cases of H1N1 in this region. There are just five in the Thunder Bay District Health Unit.
International Falls Groups Receive Funding
Two groups in International Falls have benefited from funding from the Otto Bremer Foundation.
Citizens for Backus A.B. received $50,000 for the installation of a new kitchen at its facility.
The group will receive another $30,000 if it can match that amount.
The Falls Hunger Coalition food shelf received $15,000 to continue its services .
Citizens for Backus A.B. received $50,000 for the installation of a new kitchen at its facility.
The group will receive another $30,000 if it can match that amount.
The Falls Hunger Coalition food shelf received $15,000 to continue its services .
New Transformer Station Proposed
Hydro One is eyeing the township of Chapple as the potential location of a new transformer station for the Rainy River district.
The transformer is to replace an aging one located near Fort Frances.
Spokesperson Danielle Gauvin says it would also be more central to the area Hydro One serves.
"It would improve the power supply and provide more capacity to the area," says Gauvin. "If the actual lines don't have to carry electricity quite as part, that's better in terms of power supply."
Hydro One has currently initiated a Class Environmental Assessment on the project and will hold a public information meetings later this year.
The transformer is to replace an aging one located near Fort Frances.
Spokesperson Danielle Gauvin says it would also be more central to the area Hydro One serves.
"It would improve the power supply and provide more capacity to the area," says Gauvin. "If the actual lines don't have to carry electricity quite as part, that's better in terms of power supply."
Hydro One has currently initiated a Class Environmental Assessment on the project and will hold a public information meetings later this year.
Incentive Programs Now Available
The town of Fort Frances and the Rainy River Future Development Corporation is promoting a series of financial incentive programs to bolstering the local economy.
Regional Economic Development Officer Geoff Gillon says a new diversification development program is among them.
"This is a program for new businesses in sectors like manufacturing, machining or environmental technologies," says Gillon. "It's not designed for retail or service businesses so they're not eligible. We want businesses that are non-competitive. We want new businesses that will come to town and bring new money and new jobs."
Eligible businesses can receive receive rebates on a portion of municipal charges associated with building or demolition and partial tax relief on the new value.
Another program is aimed at redeveloping commercial lands in Fort Frances that currently don't meet environmental standards.
Gillon says the Brownsfield Development program will provide tax relief to help clean those areas up.
"This tax relief under this program could be a long a five year and up to a maximum of 50 per cent of the cost of remediation," says Gillon. "It's in partnership with the province and its for old sites such as old gas stations or industrial properties."
Gillon says there are a number of vacant properties in the town where that financial assistance program could apply.
Regional Economic Development Officer Geoff Gillon says a new diversification development program is among them.
"This is a program for new businesses in sectors like manufacturing, machining or environmental technologies," says Gillon. "It's not designed for retail or service businesses so they're not eligible. We want businesses that are non-competitive. We want new businesses that will come to town and bring new money and new jobs."
Eligible businesses can receive receive rebates on a portion of municipal charges associated with building or demolition and partial tax relief on the new value.
Another program is aimed at redeveloping commercial lands in Fort Frances that currently don't meet environmental standards.
Gillon says the Brownsfield Development program will provide tax relief to help clean those areas up.
"This tax relief under this program could be a long a five year and up to a maximum of 50 per cent of the cost of remediation," says Gillon. "It's in partnership with the province and its for old sites such as old gas stations or industrial properties."
Gillon says there are a number of vacant properties in the town where that financial assistance program could apply.
Portage Avenue Underpass Work Soon
Work on the Portage Avenue underpass is expected to resume very shortly.
Fort Frances' Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says CN has approved soil anchor tests, allowing the contractor, Emo's JTJ Contracting, to continue its work.
Brown says its now getting in touch with its subcontractors and a work schedule to be known soon.
Brown estimates about two months of work yet to do.
Fort Frances' Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says CN has approved soil anchor tests, allowing the contractor, Emo's JTJ Contracting, to continue its work.
Brown says its now getting in touch with its subcontractors and a work schedule to be known soon.
Brown estimates about two months of work yet to do.
New School Construction Meeting
It could be another two weeks before construction begins on the new Robert Moore School.
Trustees with the Rainy River District School Board are meeting this morning to discuss a number of items related to the project's site management plan.
They're approval is needed to acquire a building permit.
Education Director Jack McMaster says the board has been working with the town, along with the Ministries of Education, Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Environment on that plan.
The board must also wait Ministry approval on a change to the town's official plan permitting the new school to be built on land behind the existing one.
That approval could come July 17, allowing construction to begin shortly afterwards.
Trustees with the Rainy River District School Board are meeting this morning to discuss a number of items related to the project's site management plan.
They're approval is needed to acquire a building permit.
Education Director Jack McMaster says the board has been working with the town, along with the Ministries of Education, Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Environment on that plan.
The board must also wait Ministry approval on a change to the town's official plan permitting the new school to be built on land behind the existing one.
That approval could come July 17, allowing construction to begin shortly afterwards.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Case of Fraud in Fort Frances Area
Fort Frances OPP have issued a warning after a local man was bilked more than $28 hundred in an apparent scam.
Police say the man responded to a letter that claimed he owned outstanding goods and services taxes and that if he sent the money through a money wiring service, he would receive a prize.
The letter also came with a 1-866 number.
Police say the man responded to a letter that claimed he owned outstanding goods and services taxes and that if he sent the money through a money wiring service, he would receive a prize.
The letter also came with a 1-866 number.
Emergency Access Changed
Road work near LaVerendrye hospital has resulted in another change to the access of the hospital's emergency ramp.
Effective today, the ramp will only be accessible from Front Street.
Signage has been posted.
Effective today, the ramp will only be accessible from Front Street.
Signage has been posted.
4th of July Events in International Falls
There will be plenty of celebrating in International Falls this weekend.
Tomorrow is America's 233rd birthday and there is a host of activities planned at Smokey Bear Park.
One of the highlights will be the annual 4th of July Parade which begins at 1 p.m. and travels from the football field on 12th Street and in the downtown area.
This year's Grand Marshalls include recently retired International Falls Chief of Police Chris Raboin and Police Captain Daryl Waller and former Koochiching County Sheriff Duane Nelson.
Tomorrow is America's 233rd birthday and there is a host of activities planned at Smokey Bear Park.
One of the highlights will be the annual 4th of July Parade which begins at 1 p.m. and travels from the football field on 12th Street and in the downtown area.
This year's Grand Marshalls include recently retired International Falls Chief of Police Chris Raboin and Police Captain Daryl Waller and former Koochiching County Sheriff Duane Nelson.
Shooting Victim Identified
The victim of last month's shooting in the Osaburgh Lake area has been identified.
But the name of the 30-year-old Peterborough man is being withheld at the request of his family.
Pickle Lake O-P-P were conducting an investigation when they encountered the man.
The Special Investigations Unit says a police firearm was discharged during a confrontation and the man was killed.
But the name of the 30-year-old Peterborough man is being withheld at the request of his family.
Pickle Lake O-P-P were conducting an investigation when they encountered the man.
The Special Investigations Unit says a police firearm was discharged during a confrontation and the man was killed.
Hudak Attacks Tax Merger
The new leader of the Progressive Conservatives has a warning for renters across Ontario.
Tim Hudak says tenants are going to be paying about several hundred dollars more when the province merges sales taxes.
He's urging people to sign an online petition to stop the merger.
The government says it is offering sales and property tax credits to renters to lighten the load.
But Hudak dismisses those efforts as an attempt to "bribe" taxpayers with their own money.
Tim Hudak says tenants are going to be paying about several hundred dollars more when the province merges sales taxes.
He's urging people to sign an online petition to stop the merger.
The government says it is offering sales and property tax credits to renters to lighten the load.
But Hudak dismisses those efforts as an attempt to "bribe" taxpayers with their own money.
Health Facilities Merger Official
The merger of the Falls Memorial Hospital and the Duluth Clinic-International Falls is now official.
Staff joined with members of the community yesterday to celebrate the integration of the two medical facilities now know as the Rainy Lake Medical Centre.
CEO Brian Long says the aim is to strengthen the area's health care services.
"We hope it means a more comprehensive and capable medical centre drawing upon both organizations coming together in a more collaborative and effective deliverer of health care to the community that we serve," says Long.
Long says one of the goals is the building of a new hospital.
Staff joined with members of the community yesterday to celebrate the integration of the two medical facilities now know as the Rainy Lake Medical Centre.
CEO Brian Long says the aim is to strengthen the area's health care services.
"We hope it means a more comprehensive and capable medical centre drawing upon both organizations coming together in a more collaborative and effective deliverer of health care to the community that we serve," says Long.
Long says one of the goals is the building of a new hospital.
Senator Visits International Falls
Tourism, economic development and health care will be focus of discussions between International Falls area officials and U-S Senator Amy Klobuchar this morning.
As part of those talks, the Minnesota representative at Capital Hill is promoting a bill that would help market the US tourism industry.
Klobuchar says northern Minnesota has been particularly hurt.
"Not only because of the economy," says Klobuchar, "but since 911 when all these strict rules took place for good reasons, but we've gotten so far behind on processing visas and improving travellers coming in for legitimate reason, that we've lost 20 per cent of the international travel market to other countries."
Klobuchar says US is the only country that doesn't have a focus or ad campaign for tourism.
As part of those talks, the Minnesota representative at Capital Hill is promoting a bill that would help market the US tourism industry.
Klobuchar says northern Minnesota has been particularly hurt.
"Not only because of the economy," says Klobuchar, "but since 911 when all these strict rules took place for good reasons, but we've gotten so far behind on processing visas and improving travellers coming in for legitimate reason, that we've lost 20 per cent of the international travel market to other countries."
Klobuchar says US is the only country that doesn't have a focus or ad campaign for tourism.
Rowe Verdict Rendered
A former Anglican minister and Scout leader in northern Ontario has been found guilty of seven more sex charges.
But Ralph Rowe is still expected to be freed from prison.
Rowe, who was serving a three-year sentence for similar charges when his sixth prosecution began in April, is scheduled to be paroled today.
Yesterday, a Kenora judge imposed a one-year term to be served concurrently, leaving Rowe's initial parole date intact.
First convicted in 1988, Rowe has been prosecuted six times for a string of sexual assaults across the region.
But Ralph Rowe is still expected to be freed from prison.
Rowe, who was serving a three-year sentence for similar charges when his sixth prosecution began in April, is scheduled to be paroled today.
Yesterday, a Kenora judge imposed a one-year term to be served concurrently, leaving Rowe's initial parole date intact.
First convicted in 1988, Rowe has been prosecuted six times for a string of sexual assaults across the region.
Some Connecting Link Money Arrives
It's part of the money the town of Fort Frances is looking for.
The province announced yesterday almost $140 thousand dollars through its connecting link program for improvements to Central Avenue and a portion of Scott Street.
That project was completed last year, but Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says a problem with the asphalt requires the area to be repaved.
Meantime, the town is still awaiting word on three other projects submitted under the same program.
They include a study on the feasibility of a walkway on Kings Highway near Legion Park, upgrades to the traffic lights on Kings Highway and the road improvement to Scott between Reid Avenue and Colonization Road East.
The province announced yesterday almost $140 thousand dollars through its connecting link program for improvements to Central Avenue and a portion of Scott Street.
That project was completed last year, but Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says a problem with the asphalt requires the area to be repaved.
Meantime, the town is still awaiting word on three other projects submitted under the same program.
They include a study on the feasibility of a walkway on Kings Highway near Legion Park, upgrades to the traffic lights on Kings Highway and the road improvement to Scott between Reid Avenue and Colonization Road East.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Quest for the Best Talent Winners
A rendition of Janis Joplin's song "Cry Baby" helped earn Brittany Hayes top spot at this year's Quest for the Best Talent held Tuesday night at the Memorial Sports Centre.
Hayes was the judges top choice among twenty other singers and dancers, taking home the 500-dollar top prize.
Katelyn Shortreed who sang "Songbird" by Fleetwood Mac was second. Donny Hollywood with his version of Bon Jovi's "Wanted, Dead or Alive" was third.
Sarah Callaway earned the new rookie award for first time competitors with her jazz dance performance.
Hayes was the judges top choice among twenty other singers and dancers, taking home the 500-dollar top prize.
Katelyn Shortreed who sang "Songbird" by Fleetwood Mac was second. Donny Hollywood with his version of Bon Jovi's "Wanted, Dead or Alive" was third.
Sarah Callaway earned the new rookie award for first time competitors with her jazz dance performance.
Lottery Success
Nearly $14 thousand has been raised for Riverside Health Care Facilities.
Riverside Foundation for Health Care raised that money through its annual Canada Day Cash lottery held yesterday.
The money will go towards the purchase of equipment at Riverside's three hospitals and at Rainycrest.
The Grand Prize winner of ten thousand dollars was Donna Williamson of Fort Frances. Barb Turgeon of Fort Frances won $2,000. Marie Kreger of Rainy River won $1,000. The four $500 winners were Mervin Benjamin, Angela Dokuchie, Mark Addison of Fort Frances and Candy Greengrass-Teeple from Stratton.
Riverside Foundation for Health Care raised that money through its annual Canada Day Cash lottery held yesterday.
The money will go towards the purchase of equipment at Riverside's three hospitals and at Rainycrest.
The Grand Prize winner of ten thousand dollars was Donna Williamson of Fort Frances. Barb Turgeon of Fort Frances won $2,000. Marie Kreger of Rainy River won $1,000. The four $500 winners were Mervin Benjamin, Angela Dokuchie, Mark Addison of Fort Frances and Candy Greengrass-Teeple from Stratton.
Canada Day Celebrated
Hundreds of residents in the Rainy River district took part in Canada Day festivities yesterday.
Events in Fort Frances, Barwick and Rainy River drew people gathered to celebrate the country's 142nd birthday.
Fireworks displays were also held in Rainy River and Fort Frances.
The township of Emo held off its fireworks until this Saturday when it will be part of the stock car races at Emo Speedway.
Events in Fort Frances, Barwick and Rainy River drew people gathered to celebrate the country's 142nd birthday.
Fireworks displays were also held in Rainy River and Fort Frances.
The township of Emo held off its fireworks until this Saturday when it will be part of the stock car races at Emo Speedway.
Rowe Verdit Today
A Kenora judge is expected to render a verdict today on new charges laid against Ralph Rowe.
The former Anglican minister and Boy Scout master stood trial in April on 11 charges of sexual abuse involving seven individuals.
Two years ago, Rowe was convicted on 20 counts of sexual offences involving First Nations boys in northern Ontario between 1977 and 1987.
He served four and a half years of a six year sentence in 1994 for indecent and sexual assaults involving boys aged 6 to 16.
The former Anglican minister and Boy Scout master stood trial in April on 11 charges of sexual abuse involving seven individuals.
Two years ago, Rowe was convicted on 20 counts of sexual offences involving First Nations boys in northern Ontario between 1977 and 1987.
He served four and a half years of a six year sentence in 1994 for indecent and sexual assaults involving boys aged 6 to 16.
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