There's been a slight increase to the number of housing units in Koochiching County
The U-S Census Bureau says the more than 8,100 homes identified in the county last year is five per cent higher than that in 2000.
Scott Country, which includes the city of Shakopee, led all Minnesota counties with an almost 49 per cent increase since 2000.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Lipizzaner Stallions Coming
Fort Frances will be on the itinerary for the "world famous" Lippezanner Stallions.
They will perform August 28th at the 52 Canadians Arena as part of a 40th anniversary tour.
Master of Ceremonies Troy Tinker says the type of performance is a reason for its longevity.
"It's not the kind of show that has lots of explosions and special effects," says Tinker "The focus is on the horse and that partnership they forge with that human. It just a fun, entertaining and educational show for the whole family. There's a lot of great things in the show that gets kids youngster involved, history, classical music, along with horsemanship."
Tickets are now on sale at Northwoods Gallery and Gifts and online at tickets.com
They will perform August 28th at the 52 Canadians Arena as part of a 40th anniversary tour.
Master of Ceremonies Troy Tinker says the type of performance is a reason for its longevity.
"It's not the kind of show that has lots of explosions and special effects," says Tinker "The focus is on the horse and that partnership they forge with that human. It just a fun, entertaining and educational show for the whole family. There's a lot of great things in the show that gets kids youngster involved, history, classical music, along with horsemanship."
Tickets are now on sale at Northwoods Gallery and Gifts and online at tickets.com
More Bass Fishing This Week
Kenora is the next stop for bass anglers.
Today kicks off three days of fishing on Lake of the Woods during the Kenora Bass International.
The competition includes an event that pits the top five Canadian and American teams from last year against each other.
Canada's team includes four anglers from the Nestor Falls-Sioux Narrows area.
Scott Walsh of Ely is one of two Minnesota anglers represented on the U-S team.
Today kicks off three days of fishing on Lake of the Woods during the Kenora Bass International.
The competition includes an event that pits the top five Canadian and American teams from last year against each other.
Canada's team includes four anglers from the Nestor Falls-Sioux Narrows area.
Scott Walsh of Ely is one of two Minnesota anglers represented on the U-S team.
Airport Usage Down
The number of take-offs and landings at the Fort Frances airport in May was down slightly from the same time last year.
Statistics Canada says there were 587 aircraft using the airport, compared with 609 in May of 2008.
Among the users this year included 122 private planes and 31 government aircraft.
Statistics Canada says there were 587 aircraft using the airport, compared with 609 in May of 2008.
Among the users this year included 122 private planes and 31 government aircraft.
Christmas in July, Anyone?
It was a record breaking month, weather-wise, in July for the Rainy River district.
Environment Canada's Sandy Radecki says the average temperature was well below normal.
"The average temperature for the month was 15.3 C," says Radecki. "This is about 3.5 C below what is typical for Fort Frances. Historically, the records we have go back to '77 and this is the coldest July ever."
Radecki says the highest temperature recorded during the month was on July 26th when the thermometer reached 26 C or 79 F.
The lowest was on the July 12 with the overnight low dipping down to 2 C or 35 F.
The area also say about 99 millimetres of rain, about 5 millimetres greater than normal, but Radecki says about 2/3rds of that fell over a two day period.
Environment Canada's Sandy Radecki says the average temperature was well below normal.
"The average temperature for the month was 15.3 C," says Radecki. "This is about 3.5 C below what is typical for Fort Frances. Historically, the records we have go back to '77 and this is the coldest July ever."
Radecki says the highest temperature recorded during the month was on July 26th when the thermometer reached 26 C or 79 F.
The lowest was on the July 12 with the overnight low dipping down to 2 C or 35 F.
The area also say about 99 millimetres of rain, about 5 millimetres greater than normal, but Radecki says about 2/3rds of that fell over a two day period.
Profit for Boise
(International Falls Mill - Photo Courtesy Boise Inc.)Boise Inc., owners of the International Falls mill, is reporting net income of $51 million in the second quarter of this year.
That compares with a net loss of $18 million during the same period in 2008.
President Alexander Toeldte says demands for their products held up well despite a sluggish economy.
"Our core businesses delivered solid earnings and cash flow during second quarter 2009 as
demand for our office papers, label and release papers, and agricultural-based packaging products held up well despite the sluggish economy," says Toeldte. "We reduced working capital and ended the quarter with a much strengthened liquidity position."
demand for our office papers, label and release papers, and agricultural-based packaging products held up well despite the sluggish economy," says Toeldte. "We reduced working capital and ended the quarter with a much strengthened liquidity position."
The company also benefited from the receipt of nearly $59 million in alternative fuel mixture credits.
Hampton Lashes Out at Premier
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton is lashing out at the McGuinty Liberals’ over what he calls continued apathy to Northern Ontario’s forestry crisis in the wake of AbitibiBowater's announcements.
Hampton says the premier's weak leadership and inability to stand up for the industry has driven thousands of jobs out of the region and is putting thousands more at risk.
Hampton also renewed calls for an industrial hydro rate to protect mills and their employees.
Hampton says the premier's weak leadership and inability to stand up for the industry has driven thousands of jobs out of the region and is putting thousands more at risk.
Hampton also renewed calls for an industrial hydro rate to protect mills and their employees.
Newsprint Machines Shutting Down
Another blow for the forest industry in northwestern Ontario.
AbitibiBowater says it is shutting down two newsprint machines at its Thunder Bay mill indefinitely, putting 360 employees out of work.
Spokesperson Jean-Phillipe Cote says poor market conditions are being blamed.
"We certainly understand and do regret the impact that this difficult decision will have on those workers, their families and the community," says Cote. "It's a difficult decision, but the context make it that we have no choice but to proceed that way."
Cote say one of the machines may eventually be re-started.
AbitibiBowater is also cutting its head office staff by 25 per cent as part of a plan to trim its overhead expenses by 100-million dollars U-S a year.
Most of the 175 laid off full-time and contractual employees in Canada and the United States will be announced by the end of this month.
The company has about 700 employees working in head office functions, including 400 in Montreal.
AbitibiBowater says it is shutting down two newsprint machines at its Thunder Bay mill indefinitely, putting 360 employees out of work.
Spokesperson Jean-Phillipe Cote says poor market conditions are being blamed.
"We certainly understand and do regret the impact that this difficult decision will have on those workers, their families and the community," says Cote. "It's a difficult decision, but the context make it that we have no choice but to proceed that way."
Cote say one of the machines may eventually be re-started.
AbitibiBowater is also cutting its head office staff by 25 per cent as part of a plan to trim its overhead expenses by 100-million dollars U-S a year.
Most of the 175 laid off full-time and contractual employees in Canada and the United States will be announced by the end of this month.
The company has about 700 employees working in head office functions, including 400 in Montreal.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
College and LU Receive Funds
The Provincial Government is give Lakehead University and Confederation College a financial shot in the arm.
The College is getting 1-million dollars to launch its new Trades and Technology program and increase space for another 260 students.
Lakehead is receiving 285-thousand to fund research that will look at the utilization of wood as a value-added project and another 150-thousand to study new harvest planning strategies.
Deadly Long Weekend in Ontario
It proved to be a deadly weekend on Ontario's highways and waterways.
The Ontario Provincial Police concluded their Civic Holiday long weekend safety initiative midnight Monday.
A total of 12 people died on the roads, trails and waterways patrolled by O-P-P over the long weekend, including ten as the result of motor vehicle collisions and two deaths related to boating incidents.
During the 2008 Civic Holiday long weekend, four people died.
None of this year's deaths were in the Rainy River district.
The Ontario Provincial Police concluded their Civic Holiday long weekend safety initiative midnight Monday.
A total of 12 people died on the roads, trails and waterways patrolled by O-P-P over the long weekend, including ten as the result of motor vehicle collisions and two deaths related to boating incidents.
During the 2008 Civic Holiday long weekend, four people died.
None of this year's deaths were in the Rainy River district.
OPP Seek Public Help
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.
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.
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.
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