Child care advocates in Minnesota are hoping new legislation will offset the high costs of child care.
Child-care costs in Minnesota are third highest in the country.
James Carlson, director of public policy for Child Care Works, says finding affordable and quality care is difficult in Minnesota, but a bill to direct eight-million in federal stimulus dollars to families needing assistance will help.
"Thirty-eight percent of child care centers charge at or below what the state can reimburse a family for their care," says Carlson. "In addition, 45 to 48 percent of family care providers are collecting money at or below what the state can reimburse."
Carlson says by helping these families pay for child care, low-wage workers can remain in the work force.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
More MNR Help to B.C.
A third contingent of Ministry of Natural Resources personnel is head to British Columbia to aid in that province's forest fire fighting efforts.
Two Incident Command Teams – one each from East Fire and West Fire Region – comprised of 19 members each are scheduled to head to the west coast today.
The teams provides leadership and management on large fire incidents.
This latest deployment brings to 333 the number of MNR personnel in B.C.
Two Incident Command Teams – one each from East Fire and West Fire Region – comprised of 19 members each are scheduled to head to the west coast today.
The teams provides leadership and management on large fire incidents.
This latest deployment brings to 333 the number of MNR personnel in B.C.
"The Gathering" Comes to End
An effort to improve opportunities for native employment in the Rainy River district has come to an end.
NCDS, who facilitated the project called "The Gathering," has decided to discontinue its management of the roundtables.
In a letter to participants, the agency cites the project has "run afoul with politics."
Coordinator Paul Pirie says the roundtables did achieve some success with rejuvenated high school programs, increased community involvement by elders and a relaxing of territorial boundaries for construction apprentices.
NCDS, who facilitated the project called "The Gathering," has decided to discontinue its management of the roundtables.
In a letter to participants, the agency cites the project has "run afoul with politics."
Coordinator Paul Pirie says the roundtables did achieve some success with rejuvenated high school programs, increased community involvement by elders and a relaxing of territorial boundaries for construction apprentices.
Planning Documents Get Review
Alberton's township council will hold a special meeting tonight to review its official plan and zoning by-laws.
The review comes in the wake of opposition to a rezoning application which would pave the way for Weechi-it-ti-win Family Services to relocate its Training and Learning Centre to property currently owned by the Arpin Family.
Council said at its meeting last month that it would revisit the application following a review of its planning documents.
The review comes in the wake of opposition to a rezoning application which would pave the way for Weechi-it-ti-win Family Services to relocate its Training and Learning Centre to property currently owned by the Arpin Family.
Council said at its meeting last month that it would revisit the application following a review of its planning documents.
Doctors Seek Halt to Health Changes
Ontario doctors want the province to delay any major health care restructuring plans until a recently appointed panel makes its recommendations.
The government created the Rural and Northern Health Care Panel to recommend steps to improve access to care in those regions.
The Ontario Medical Association says the government should order Local Health Integration Networks and hospitals in rural and northern communities to put a hold on restructuring plans.
OMA President Dr. Suzanne Strasberg says doctors want a formal consultation process to ensure that the public and health care providers have their say before any decisions are made.
Strasberg says physicians can provide valuable input to help ensure decisions are made without compromising quality and timely access to health care services.
The OMA also wants the government's strategy to formally recognize the differing health care needs in isolated and rural communities.
The government created the Rural and Northern Health Care Panel to recommend steps to improve access to care in those regions.
The Ontario Medical Association says the government should order Local Health Integration Networks and hospitals in rural and northern communities to put a hold on restructuring plans.
OMA President Dr. Suzanne Strasberg says doctors want a formal consultation process to ensure that the public and health care providers have their say before any decisions are made.
Strasberg says physicians can provide valuable input to help ensure decisions are made without compromising quality and timely access to health care services.
The OMA also wants the government's strategy to formally recognize the differing health care needs in isolated and rural communities.
Rural Health Panel Formed
Ontario has officially announced the members of the new Rural and Northern Health Care Panel.
The panel, to be chaired by Kirkland and District Hospital CEO, Hal Fjeldsted, will provide recommendations to the government on how to better coordinate the delivery of health care services in Ontario's rural and northern areas.
The panel's members represent a broad range of stakeholders and health care professionals who will draw on their experiences working in rural and northern areas of Ontario.
Over the next six months will highlight current programs and services targeting northern and rural communities, identify rural and northern Ontario's unique health care challenges and recommend steps the government can take to improve access to health care in rural and northern Ontario using existing resources.
The panel will provide a report and recommendations to the government this winter.
The panel, to be chaired by Kirkland and District Hospital CEO, Hal Fjeldsted, will provide recommendations to the government on how to better coordinate the delivery of health care services in Ontario's rural and northern areas.
The panel's members represent a broad range of stakeholders and health care professionals who will draw on their experiences working in rural and northern areas of Ontario.
Over the next six months will highlight current programs and services targeting northern and rural communities, identify rural and northern Ontario's unique health care challenges and recommend steps the government can take to improve access to health care in rural and northern Ontario using existing resources.
The panel will provide a report and recommendations to the government this winter.
Municipal Support for Y.A.A.
Municipal support continues to grow for the Northwestern Health Unit's Youth Action Alliance.
The town of Fort Frances is the latest to pass a resolution calling for continued provincial funding for the youth-focused anti-smoking lobby group.
Dryden, Sioux Lookout and Red Lake councils have also passed resolutions in support of the Alliance.
Health Unit board chair John Albanese says that municipal support is important.
"The resolutions are going to the Premier, the Health Promotions Minister and whoever we can tap into," says Albanese.
Albanese says the Alliance has been very effective with its anti-smoking initiatives, and should be allowed to continue.
The town of Fort Frances is the latest to pass a resolution calling for continued provincial funding for the youth-focused anti-smoking lobby group.
Dryden, Sioux Lookout and Red Lake councils have also passed resolutions in support of the Alliance.
Health Unit board chair John Albanese says that municipal support is important.
"The resolutions are going to the Premier, the Health Promotions Minister and whoever we can tap into," says Albanese.
Albanese says the Alliance has been very effective with its anti-smoking initiatives, and should be allowed to continue.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Draft Forest Management Plan up for Review
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on a 10-year forest resources management plan for a group of ecological subsections in northern Minnesota.
Referred to as the North 4 subsections, the areas include the St. Louis Moraines, Tamarack Lowlands, Nashwauk Uplands, and Littlefork-Vermilion Uplands.
The draft plan covers strategies for about 1.17 million acres.
The plan also calls for field examination of about 13,000 acres of DNR forest lands per year to identify treatment needs.
The public comment period continues until August 24th.
Referred to as the North 4 subsections, the areas include the St. Louis Moraines, Tamarack Lowlands, Nashwauk Uplands, and Littlefork-Vermilion Uplands.
The draft plan covers strategies for about 1.17 million acres.
The plan also calls for field examination of about 13,000 acres of DNR forest lands per year to identify treatment needs.
The public comment period continues until August 24th.
Lightning Strike in Dryden
Four Dryden men are recovering after their golf game was unexpectedly disrupted yesterday by a lightning strike.
Lightning struck an area near a steel fence, knocking the four men to the ground.
All are currently recovering from burns and various other injuries.
Lightning struck an area near a steel fence, knocking the four men to the ground.
All are currently recovering from burns and various other injuries.
Limerick Retires
A long time employee with the Northwestern Health Unit is retiring.
Bill Limerick has worked in the public health field for the past 38 years, most recently as the health unit's director of Environmental Health.
He doesn't officially retire until the end of this year, but with holidays factored in, his last day on the job was July 15th.
Bill Limerick has worked in the public health field for the past 38 years, most recently as the health unit's director of Environmental Health.
He doesn't officially retire until the end of this year, but with holidays factored in, his last day on the job was July 15th.
L.U. Orientation Offered for New Students
Lakehead University is giving students enrolling in classes at its Thunder Bay campus an opportunity to get familiar with the surroundings well before the start of classes.
Every Friday until the end of August, students can visit the university to register for their student identification and tour the facilities.
Student Orientation officer Brendan Hughes says they can also help students with questions about courses.
"During the summer, some people have questions regarding registration or what courses they should be in," says Hughes. "or maybe they thought they wanted to go into one program but they're mulling over a different choice. We do have academic advisers on hand to able to see new students and give that guidance."
Hughes says students can also receive tours of residence, but won't be allowed to move in until later in August.
Every Friday until the end of August, students can visit the university to register for their student identification and tour the facilities.
Student Orientation officer Brendan Hughes says they can also help students with questions about courses.
"During the summer, some people have questions regarding registration or what courses they should be in," says Hughes. "or maybe they thought they wanted to go into one program but they're mulling over a different choice. We do have academic advisers on hand to able to see new students and give that guidance."
Hughes says students can also receive tours of residence, but won't be allowed to move in until later in August.
Man Charged for Skipping on Cab Fare
A refusal to pay for a cab ride in Fort Frances led to a man being taken into police custody.
Provincial police say the man took a cab early Saturday morning, but left the car without paying when it reached his destination.
The taxi driver followed the passenger into a Fort Frances establishment where an altercation took place between the two over the outstanding cab fare.
Police arrived to take the passenger into custody and charge him with being intoxicated in a public place.
Provincial police say the man took a cab early Saturday morning, but left the car without paying when it reached his destination.
The taxi driver followed the passenger into a Fort Frances establishment where an altercation took place between the two over the outstanding cab fare.
Police arrived to take the passenger into custody and charge him with being intoxicated in a public place.
Deer Strikes Motorcyclist
A Fort Frances man escaped serious injury after a motorcycle was struck by a deer.
The accident happened on Mill Road last Friday afternoon.
The man was transported by ambulance to LaVerendrye Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The accident happened on Mill Road last Friday afternoon.
The man was transported by ambulance to LaVerendrye Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Fire Tower Faces Probable Paint Job
Difficulties in removing the paint from the former fire tower at Pither's Point Park could lead to the tower being repainted.
Original plans called for the tower only to be pressure-washed before its relocated to the Fort Frances waterfront.
Community Services Manager George Bell told council last night that's proving more tougher than expected.
"We continue to have an issue with the paint removal on the tower," said Bell. "We're struggling getting it off with the water pressure. We're going to be looking at a bio-degradable paint stripper this week."
Bell says it may come down to the tower being painted.
He says expected saving from having fewer banners and post may help cover the cost.
"We've dramatically reduced the number of new posts that we will require," said Bell. "We're just going to do them along Scott Street, Mowat and the way-finding area. The original plan identified 49. I think we're looking at 29 and their $3,000 each."
The repainting of the tower had initially been identified at about $40,000.
Original plans called for the tower only to be pressure-washed before its relocated to the Fort Frances waterfront.
Community Services Manager George Bell told council last night that's proving more tougher than expected.
"We continue to have an issue with the paint removal on the tower," said Bell. "We're struggling getting it off with the water pressure. We're going to be looking at a bio-degradable paint stripper this week."
Bell says it may come down to the tower being painted.
He says expected saving from having fewer banners and post may help cover the cost.
"We've dramatically reduced the number of new posts that we will require," said Bell. "We're just going to do them along Scott Street, Mowat and the way-finding area. The original plan identified 49. I think we're looking at 29 and their $3,000 each."
The repainting of the tower had initially been identified at about $40,000.
Underpass to Shutdown
There will be another closure of the Portage Avenue underpass next week.
This time, the underpass will be completely shutdown for two to three days beginning next Wednesday so crews can replace sanitary sewer lines under the road bed.
Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says emergency vehicles to access the north end through a rail crossing at Victoria Avenue.
Pedestrian traffic will still be permitted.
This time, the underpass will be completely shutdown for two to three days beginning next Wednesday so crews can replace sanitary sewer lines under the road bed.
Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says emergency vehicles to access the north end through a rail crossing at Victoria Avenue.
Pedestrian traffic will still be permitted.
Portage and Scott Closing Next Tuesday
There will be some disruption to a traffic along Scott Street next week.
The closure of the intersection of Scott at Portage Avenue is to facilitate the continuance of road work in that area.
As a result, trucks will go through town using Mowat Avenue, Church Street, Veteran's Drive, a portion of Sinclair Street now owned by Abitibi-Bowater and Front Street.
When the intersection is closed next Tuesday, access along Scott between Mowat and Portage and Victoria and Portage will still be permitted.
The closure of the intersection of Scott at Portage Avenue is to facilitate the continuance of road work in that area.
As a result, trucks will go through town using Mowat Avenue, Church Street, Veteran's Drive, a portion of Sinclair Street now owned by Abitibi-Bowater and Front Street.
When the intersection is closed next Tuesday, access along Scott between Mowat and Portage and Victoria and Portage will still be permitted.
Donation to Flight Group Accepted
A group of airplanes returning from a cross country flight celebrating the 100th anniversary of the first powered flight in Canada will get a financial contribution from the town of Fort Frances.
In a 4-to-3 vote, council narrowly approved last night to give the group 8 cents for every litre of gasoline the planes take on when they land at the airport next week.
Mayor Roy Avis says about 30 planes are expected and feels the contribution is good p.r.
"I know that we said no the first time," says Avis, "but I think there is some impact for us. We can maybe get some mileage out of it."
The group organizing the flight had asked council for a reduced charge on fuel costs.
Avis noted the flight was being documented for a future television program.
But councillor Rick Wiedenhoeft says he's doesn't see how giving them a break in fuel prices would benefit the town.
"I question whether or not the bang for our buck will be worth it," says Wiedenhoeft. "Call me a skeptic, but this is probably going to be a money making issue when he sells the rights of the trip to CBC, CTV or the Discovery Channel. I don't know if the bang for the buck is going to be worth it if we give him a slight discount."
About 30 were to land in Fort Frances are part of the flight to Nova Scotia last week, but poor weather led to just five planes showing up.
In a 4-to-3 vote, council narrowly approved last night to give the group 8 cents for every litre of gasoline the planes take on when they land at the airport next week.
Mayor Roy Avis says about 30 planes are expected and feels the contribution is good p.r.
"I know that we said no the first time," says Avis, "but I think there is some impact for us. We can maybe get some mileage out of it."
The group organizing the flight had asked council for a reduced charge on fuel costs.
Avis noted the flight was being documented for a future television program.
But councillor Rick Wiedenhoeft says he's doesn't see how giving them a break in fuel prices would benefit the town.
"I question whether or not the bang for our buck will be worth it," says Wiedenhoeft. "Call me a skeptic, but this is probably going to be a money making issue when he sells the rights of the trip to CBC, CTV or the Discovery Channel. I don't know if the bang for the buck is going to be worth it if we give him a slight discount."
About 30 were to land in Fort Frances are part of the flight to Nova Scotia last week, but poor weather led to just five planes showing up.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Paramedics' Seek Essential Service Status
The Ontario Paramedic Association is asking the McGuinty government to grant the province's paramedics essential service status.
The association says it's a matter of public safety and security.
It says the designation would ensure paramedics would report to work regardless of any labour issues within the various municipalities.
Paramedics were classed as a public safety occupation at the federal Level in 2005 and the O-P-A wants the province to follow suit.
The association says it's a matter of public safety and security.
It says the designation would ensure paramedics would report to work regardless of any labour issues within the various municipalities.
Paramedics were classed as a public safety occupation at the federal Level in 2005 and the O-P-A wants the province to follow suit.
Mining Compny Fined
The death of a worker has led to a $130 thousand fine against a mineral exploration company.
Conquest Resources hired an independent contractor in December 2007 to construct an ice road on Sturgeon Lake, 70 kilometres east of Sioux Lookout.
But when the man drove his plow onto the lake, it broke through the ice, and the man drowned.
A Ministry of Labour investigation found the worker hadn't been given accurate information about the thickness of the ice.
Conquest Resources hired an independent contractor in December 2007 to construct an ice road on Sturgeon Lake, 70 kilometres east of Sioux Lookout.
But when the man drove his plow onto the lake, it broke through the ice, and the man drowned.
A Ministry of Labour investigation found the worker hadn't been given accurate information about the thickness of the ice.
Body Found in Winnipeg River
OPP have found the body of a missing Winnipeg man near Minaki.
The body of 25-year-old Dave Christopher Pundyk was found Saturday afternoon in the Winnipeg River.
The man was thrown from a boat into the river after two boats travelling together collided on July 18th.
The body of 25-year-old Dave Christopher Pundyk was found Saturday afternoon in the Winnipeg River.
The man was thrown from a boat into the river after two boats travelling together collided on July 18th.
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