OPP in Fort Frances are seeking the public's assistance in solving two acts of mischief that occurred in the town last month.
In the first incident, culprits caused more than $6,000 in damages after denting three vehicles parked at West End Motors sometime during the evening of July 4th or early morning July 5th.
A day later, police say two people smashed a store front window of the Bargain Store, causing $500 in damages.
Anyone with information regarding either incident is asked to call OPP or Crimestoppers.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Tragic End to Missing I. Falls Man
A man who was the subject of a search in International Falls has died after being struck by a vehicle.
Koochiching County Sheriff's Department says 74-year-old Charles Kay Johnson died at the Rainy Lake Medical Centre from injuries suffered in the accident that occurred on Highway 11-71, north of County Road 107 at around 2:30 this morning.
Johnson had been the subject of a police search after failing to appear in court on Monday.
Police, with the assistance of a St. Louis County Sheriff Department dog team, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and local divers, began searching the Rainy River and the surrounding woods yesterday after his vehicle was found at the Shorewood River access.
Koochiching County Sheriff's Department says 74-year-old Charles Kay Johnson died at the Rainy Lake Medical Centre from injuries suffered in the accident that occurred on Highway 11-71, north of County Road 107 at around 2:30 this morning.
Johnson had been the subject of a police search after failing to appear in court on Monday.
Police, with the assistance of a St. Louis County Sheriff Department dog team, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and local divers, began searching the Rainy River and the surrounding woods yesterday after his vehicle was found at the Shorewood River access.
Smokey Bear Turns 65
Smokey Bear will be honoured today in International Falls.
The city is celebrating the 65th birthday of the most recognizable symbol of conservation and protection of America's Forests.
President of the International Falls Chamber of Commerce Betsy Jenson says its was a local campaign that brought Smokey to the community.
"They had buttons that said 'I'm giving towards Smokey Bear statue coming here'," says Jenson, "and I think the statue originally cost about $3,600 to put it up."
The statue is located at the city's park, named in honour of Smokey Bear and stands 26 feet tall, making it the tallest such monument in the United States.
Jenson says both the monument and the park, itself 55 years old, have become important landmarks to the city.
"It is certainly pretty much the heart of our city. Many of the fun activities done in International Falls are centred out of Smokey Bear Park from our Independence Day Celebrations right down to family reunions."
Festivities to celebrate his birthday begin at about 5 this afternoon at Smokey Bear Park with free dogs and seedlings given to the first 1,000 people who arrive.
There are also games for the kids and an opportunity to have your picture taken with Smokey Bear.
A concert in the bandshell at 7 p.m. will conclude the birthday party.
The city is celebrating the 65th birthday of the most recognizable symbol of conservation and protection of America's Forests.
President of the International Falls Chamber of Commerce Betsy Jenson says its was a local campaign that brought Smokey to the community.
"They had buttons that said 'I'm giving towards Smokey Bear statue coming here'," says Jenson, "and I think the statue originally cost about $3,600 to put it up."
The statue is located at the city's park, named in honour of Smokey Bear and stands 26 feet tall, making it the tallest such monument in the United States.
Jenson says both the monument and the park, itself 55 years old, have become important landmarks to the city.
"It is certainly pretty much the heart of our city. Many of the fun activities done in International Falls are centred out of Smokey Bear Park from our Independence Day Celebrations right down to family reunions."
Festivities to celebrate his birthday begin at about 5 this afternoon at Smokey Bear Park with free dogs and seedlings given to the first 1,000 people who arrive.
There are also games for the kids and an opportunity to have your picture taken with Smokey Bear.
A concert in the bandshell at 7 p.m. will conclude the birthday party.
Exhibitors and Volunteers Wanted
The Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society is putting out a call for people interested in displaying exhibits at this year's Emo Fall Fair.
President Emily Watson says the fair book is now available.
"Anyone who wants to enter can go to our website www.emofair.com," says Watson. "We were fortunate to get funding for a summer student and she's at the ground. If people want to go there and pick up a fair book or entry forms, there can simply go to the fair office at the grounds."
Entries for all exhibits will only be received at the Exhibition Hall Wednesday August 12th between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Watson says they're also looking for some volunteer assistance.
"We're always looking for volunteers. This is a good way for students to get their (volunteer) hours for high school so we're able to do that every year."
President Emily Watson says the fair book is now available.
"Anyone who wants to enter can go to our website www.emofair.com," says Watson. "We were fortunate to get funding for a summer student and she's at the ground. If people want to go there and pick up a fair book or entry forms, there can simply go to the fair office at the grounds."
Entries for all exhibits will only be received at the Exhibition Hall Wednesday August 12th between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Watson says they're also looking for some volunteer assistance.
"We're always looking for volunteers. This is a good way for students to get their (volunteer) hours for high school so we're able to do that every year."
Trillium Grant for Atikokan
More money for Atikokan's new youth centre.
An Ontario Trillium grant of $40 thousand dollars will be used for staff and equipment purchases.
The centre, located in Atikokan's downtown, was established to provide programs and services to youth aged 13 to 20.
An Ontario Trillium grant of $40 thousand dollars will be used for staff and equipment purchases.
The centre, located in Atikokan's downtown, was established to provide programs and services to youth aged 13 to 20.
College Enrollment Increases
Confederation College will see an overall enrollment increase for the upcoming school year.
President Pat Lang says so far, there's a 10 to 14 per cent increase of students with the numbers of nearly all programs on the rise.
Lang says the college is preparing for the increase in students by expanding the health and community services programs as well as adding new programs.
President Pat Lang says so far, there's a 10 to 14 per cent increase of students with the numbers of nearly all programs on the rise.
Lang says the college is preparing for the increase in students by expanding the health and community services programs as well as adding new programs.
Forest Fire Equipment Sent to B.C.
Northwestern Ontario has sent additional resources to fire ravaged British Columbia.
Two CL-415 water bombers left Dryden and Kenora yesterday for Kamloops.
Support is also being provided in the form of fire suppression equipment such as pumps, hoses and portable water tanks.
Ontario currently has approximately 570-fire personnel working in B.C.
The MNR has started rotating staff, replacing crews who've now completed a two-week deployment.
Two CL-415 water bombers left Dryden and Kenora yesterday for Kamloops.
Support is also being provided in the form of fire suppression equipment such as pumps, hoses and portable water tanks.
Ontario currently has approximately 570-fire personnel working in B.C.
The MNR has started rotating staff, replacing crews who've now completed a two-week deployment.
Flares Encouraged on Boats
Provincial Police are reminding area boaters about the importance of having good working marine flares on board.
It comes in the wake of a weekend rescue of two American boaters who found themselves stranded on Rainy Lake for two days.
OPP Constable Anne McCoy says it make sense to have flares when traveling the lake.
"We think there are such small bays on Rainy Lake," says McCoy, "and you're really not technically a mile from shore at any given area, but you may get blown into a back bay like this vessel did."
The boaters became stranded when their engine gave out and they drifted into an area not visible by passing boaters.
It comes in the wake of a weekend rescue of two American boaters who found themselves stranded on Rainy Lake for two days.
OPP Constable Anne McCoy says it make sense to have flares when traveling the lake.
"We think there are such small bays on Rainy Lake," says McCoy, "and you're really not technically a mile from shore at any given area, but you may get blown into a back bay like this vessel did."
The boaters became stranded when their engine gave out and they drifted into an area not visible by passing boaters.
Search in International Falls
Few details are being released regarding a search being conducted by the Koochiching County Sheriff's Department.
A search was initiated yesterday for a body in Rainy River near International Falls.
The department would only say the search “is in regards to an investigation,” but would not provide any other details until later today.
A search was initiated yesterday for a body in Rainy River near International Falls.
The department would only say the search “is in regards to an investigation,” but would not provide any other details until later today.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Domtar Profits Up
There might be some good news on the horizon for the pulp and paper industry in Canada.
Montreal-based pulp and paper giant Domtar says its net profits doubled in the second quarter even as sales declined year-over-year.
The company saw net earnings of 48-million dollars U-S in the quarter.
Consolidated sales declined to 1.3 billion dollars from 1.6 billion the year before.
Domtar says the pulp and paper markets appear to be stabilizing.
Montreal-based pulp and paper giant Domtar says its net profits doubled in the second quarter even as sales declined year-over-year.
The company saw net earnings of 48-million dollars U-S in the quarter.
Consolidated sales declined to 1.3 billion dollars from 1.6 billion the year before.
Domtar says the pulp and paper markets appear to be stabilizing.
Witnesses Sought
Provincial Police seeking witnesses to an early morning accident in Fort Frances.
Police say a tractor trailer unit and a small red car came into contact at the corners of Scott Street and Central Avenue at around 7:45 a.m.
No one was injured.
Police say a tractor trailer unit and a small red car came into contact at the corners of Scott Street and Central Avenue at around 7:45 a.m.
No one was injured.
Coordinated Lake Rescue
A coordinated rescue effort on the weekend helped recover two American men who became stranded on Rainy Lake for nearly two days.
An employee of a Minnesota houseboat company overhead a "May-Day" call Saturday evening about a vessel stranded in Bleak Bay and contacted Canada Border Services which in turn called OPP.
Constable Anne McCoy says officers coordinated the search efforts with the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary unit stationed out of Ash River, Minnesota.
McCoy says the men became stranded when their boat suffered engine trouble and strong winds drifted them to a part of the bay that was not visible by other boaters.
Neither man suffered injuries.
An employee of a Minnesota houseboat company overhead a "May-Day" call Saturday evening about a vessel stranded in Bleak Bay and contacted Canada Border Services which in turn called OPP.
Constable Anne McCoy says officers coordinated the search efforts with the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary unit stationed out of Ash River, Minnesota.
McCoy says the men became stranded when their boat suffered engine trouble and strong winds drifted them to a part of the bay that was not visible by other boaters.
Neither man suffered injuries.
"Ice Box of the Nation" Even in July?
The "Icebox of the Nation" held true to its name in July.
Last month was the coldest July on record for International Falls.
The National Weather Service says the average temperature for the month was 58.8 F - more than 7 degrees below normal and more than a half a degree from the previous record set in 1992.
The city failed to record a single 80–degree reading the entire month, and overnight lows fell into the 30s four times.
The chilly weather continues into August with the thermometer dropping to 42 F on Sunday morning, breaking the previous daily record low of 44 F set in August 2nd 1977.
Last month was the coldest July on record for International Falls.
The National Weather Service says the average temperature for the month was 58.8 F - more than 7 degrees below normal and more than a half a degree from the previous record set in 1992.
The city failed to record a single 80–degree reading the entire month, and overnight lows fell into the 30s four times.
The chilly weather continues into August with the thermometer dropping to 42 F on Sunday morning, breaking the previous daily record low of 44 F set in August 2nd 1977.
Northern Colleges Woo Students
Some colleges and universities in Northern Ontario are thinking of offering incentives for students to study there.
Post-secondary institutions in Southern Ontario are awash in students, but their northern counterparts have more spaces than they can fill.
The northern schools say they should take in some of the overflow of Ontario students.
Post-secondary institutions in Southern Ontario are awash in students, but their northern counterparts have more spaces than they can fill.
The northern schools say they should take in some of the overflow of Ontario students.
NAN Concerns about Protectionist Bill
A bill that would map land in the Far North is getting a cool reception from some First Nations people.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation say they won't support the bill in part because they feel left out of the consultation process.
Natural Resources Minister Donna Canfield promised in June the bill would protect 225-thousand square kilometres in a network of conservation areas.
But NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy is asking for the bill to be withdrawn unless it's changed to allow more participation from their communities.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation say they won't support the bill in part because they feel left out of the consultation process.
Natural Resources Minister Donna Canfield promised in June the bill would protect 225-thousand square kilometres in a network of conservation areas.
But NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy is asking for the bill to be withdrawn unless it's changed to allow more participation from their communities.
More EHealth Questions
Opposition leaders continue to demand Health Minister David Caplan's resignation as they suggest EHealth isn't the only provincial agency giving out swollen contracts to consultants.
Both the NDP and the Conservatives claim some of the nearly 16 million dollars in untendered contracts given out by the beleaguered agency went to people with ties to the Liberal government.
N-D-P Leader Andrea Horwath wants the auditor general to investigate links between the Liberals and well-paid consultants.
Both the NDP and the Conservatives claim some of the nearly 16 million dollars in untendered contracts given out by the beleaguered agency went to people with ties to the Liberal government.
N-D-P Leader Andrea Horwath wants the auditor general to investigate links between the Liberals and well-paid consultants.
Protection for Seniors Called For
The federal New Democrats say the Harper government has to do a better job helping seniors.
NDP leader Jack Layton was in northwestern Ontario recently to talk with local seniors, and says there are many things the government can do to help them.
"We have been holding meeting with seniors across the country for the past several months," says Layton. "That's why we moved a motion in the House of Commons in June saying that the Canada Pension Plan and the support for seniors needed to be increased and done now; that there has been protection for pensioners where the company goes bankrupt where they should go at the front of the line and not back; and that the whole system of retirement security has to be upgrade for our seniors."
Layton is also pushing the federal government for an overhaul of the Employment Insurance system to make it easier for workers to collect benefits.
NDP leader Jack Layton was in northwestern Ontario recently to talk with local seniors, and says there are many things the government can do to help them.
"We have been holding meeting with seniors across the country for the past several months," says Layton. "That's why we moved a motion in the House of Commons in June saying that the Canada Pension Plan and the support for seniors needed to be increased and done now; that there has been protection for pensioners where the company goes bankrupt where they should go at the front of the line and not back; and that the whole system of retirement security has to be upgrade for our seniors."
Layton is also pushing the federal government for an overhaul of the Employment Insurance system to make it easier for workers to collect benefits.
Road Closures Today
A reminder to motorists in Fort Frances today.
The Portage Avenue underpass will be shutdown beginning at 9:00 a.m.
It will reopen to traffic Friday at 4:00 p.m.
The intersection of Scott Street and Portage Avenue will be also blocked for a one week period beginning at around noon today.
Heavy trucks will now route through town using Mowat Avenue, Church Street, Veterans Drive to Sinclair Street and Victoria Avenue.
Travel along Scott between Mowat and Portage and Victoria and Portage is still permitted.
The Portage Avenue underpass will be shutdown beginning at 9:00 a.m.
It will reopen to traffic Friday at 4:00 p.m.
The intersection of Scott Street and Portage Avenue will be also blocked for a one week period beginning at around noon today.
Heavy trucks will now route through town using Mowat Avenue, Church Street, Veterans Drive to Sinclair Street and Victoria Avenue.
Travel along Scott between Mowat and Portage and Victoria and Portage is still permitted.
Bass Fishery Still Strong
(MNR personnel take measurements of a bass caught during this year's Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship)The bass fishery in Rainy Lake continues to be strong.
That according to the Ministry of Natural Resources.
The Ministry used the recent Fort Frances Canadian Bass tournament as an opportunity to study bass, and area biologist Darryl McLeod says they are looking good.
"It's a real healthy smallmouth bass fishery," says McLeod. "We've been tracking it since 1995. It got better in the 1990's and has been maintaining itself at a real high quality since."
McLeod says they've been obtaining some good information from the Championship.
One of the key pieces of information has been the various age classes of the fish.
"We can look at how strong each year class is in the bass population right back to 1995 and predict how the fishing might be. Since 2000, we've had about 5 or 6 really poor year classes in bass largely driven by climate.
McLeod says it just one factor that could impact the fishery in the future.
But he points 15 years of tournament fishing on the lake has not had a negative impact.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Non-Profit Infrastructure Bucks Available
The federal and provincial governments are giving non-profit organizations an opportunity to tap in some infrastructure funding.
Under a new program, both the feds and the province will cover 2-thirds of any project approved.
Non-profit organizations would have to cover the remain construction costs.
They have until August 18th to submit applications.
Under a new program, both the feds and the province will cover 2-thirds of any project approved.
Non-profit organizations would have to cover the remain construction costs.
They have until August 18th to submit applications.
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