Several small businesses in Minnesota have received a financial shot in the arm.
More $4.3 million in grants and loans provided by the Pohlad Family Foundation were distributed to over 70 businesses, including at least one unnamed company in Koochiching County.
The money was made available to eligible businesses to help retain employment.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Economic Workshops Planned
Band council members and staff at a Rainy River area First Nation will be strengthening their knowledge about economic development.
Naicatchewenin First Nation is receiving provincial funding to cover the cost of two training workshops.
The objectives of the workshops are to analyse the community's current economic performance, identify specific economic objectives and complete a strategic economic development plan.
Naicatchewenin First Nation is receiving provincial funding to cover the cost of two training workshops.
The objectives of the workshops are to analyse the community's current economic performance, identify specific economic objectives and complete a strategic economic development plan.
Low Demand for Enhanced Driver's Licences
Demand for the new enhanced driver's license has not been as strong as expected by the Ontario government.
The province has mailed out almost 8,700 of the land and water alternatives to the Canadian passport for travel to the U.S.
A spokesman for Transportation Minister Jim Bradley says the slightly lower demand is being attributed to the economic downturn and the ``current soft-enforcement approach'' by border officials.
The card costs Ontario drivers $40 on top of the regular $75 license fee.
The province has mailed out almost 8,700 of the land and water alternatives to the Canadian passport for travel to the U.S.
A spokesman for Transportation Minister Jim Bradley says the slightly lower demand is being attributed to the economic downturn and the ``current soft-enforcement approach'' by border officials.
The card costs Ontario drivers $40 on top of the regular $75 license fee.
Forest Fire Fighting Efforts in B.C. Continue
More than 600 Ministry of Natural Resources personnel are now helping crews wrestle with forest fires in British Columbia.
Fire information officer Debbie MacLean says 28 FireRangers and 15 staff trained in values protection equipment headed for the B.C. fire lines earlier this week.
Raging forest fires have forced droves of people out of their homes in British Columbia over the past few weeks.
Smoke from fires in western Canada is also making its way into some parts of northwestern Ontario.
The MNR says upper level atmospheric conditions has caused smoke to drift in from as far away as the Yukon.
The presence of that smoke has led to some calls to the forest fire reporting hotline.
Currently there are no active fires in the region.
Meantime, the fire hazard in northwestern Ontario is beginning to rise once again.
Recent warm weather has moved the hazard to high along the Rainy Rainy River district.
Fire information officer Debbie MacLean says 28 FireRangers and 15 staff trained in values protection equipment headed for the B.C. fire lines earlier this week.
Raging forest fires have forced droves of people out of their homes in British Columbia over the past few weeks.
Smoke from fires in western Canada is also making its way into some parts of northwestern Ontario.
The MNR says upper level atmospheric conditions has caused smoke to drift in from as far away as the Yukon.
The presence of that smoke has led to some calls to the forest fire reporting hotline.
Currently there are no active fires in the region.
Meantime, the fire hazard in northwestern Ontario is beginning to rise once again.
Recent warm weather has moved the hazard to high along the Rainy Rainy River district.
Tower to Be Painted
A former forest fire observation tower being placed on the Fort Frances waterfront will get a paint job after all.
The town had initially looked to pressure-washing the tower before reinstalling the local landmark, but Community Services Manager George Bell says the effort to remove the existing paint isn't working.
"We just couldn't get it off sufficient enough to make it look refurbished," says Bell. "What they will be doing though is testing the paint that's left on it to ensure it has appropriate enough adhesion to paint on it and it won't peel off."
Cost to paint the tower is pegged at $34,500.
The town had initially looked to pressure-washing the tower before reinstalling the local landmark, but Community Services Manager George Bell says the effort to remove the existing paint isn't working.
"We just couldn't get it off sufficient enough to make it look refurbished," says Bell. "What they will be doing though is testing the paint that's left on it to ensure it has appropriate enough adhesion to paint on it and it won't peel off."
Cost to paint the tower is pegged at $34,500.
Runway to Close
A "cross runway" at the Fort Frances airport will be shut down at the end of September.
Councillor Paul Ryan says the runway, built more than 20 years ago, has fallen into disrepair.
“The secondary runway is not eligible for Transport Canada funding, as it is not used by scheduled passenger flights and it is estimated to cost approximately $1 million," says Ryan, "I think it will be over that—to rehabilitate and repave.
The runway is mainly utilized by small aircraft when there is a substantial crosswind, but less than 5 per cent of all aircraft using the airport last year, used the runway.
Councillor Paul Ryan says the runway, built more than 20 years ago, has fallen into disrepair.
“The secondary runway is not eligible for Transport Canada funding, as it is not used by scheduled passenger flights and it is estimated to cost approximately $1 million," says Ryan, "I think it will be over that—to rehabilitate and repave.
The runway is mainly utilized by small aircraft when there is a substantial crosswind, but less than 5 per cent of all aircraft using the airport last year, used the runway.
Meeting Sought with IJC
The Rainy Lake Conservancy wants the group overseeing the waters along the Canada-U.S. border to review a proposed hydro-electric project on the Namakan River.
Ojibway Power and Energy Group, a partnership involving the Lac La Croix First Nation, is proposing the run-of-the-river project.
Conservancy member Paul Anderson says the IJC needs to review the impact the project may have on the Rainy Lake Watershed.
"They say they'll look at, but we're getting a little frustrated they haven't looked at it yet," says Anderson. "The hydro project has been in the planning stages for three years now."
Anderson says they're hoping for a private meeting with the IJC when they meet in International Falls later this month.
Ojibway Power and Energy Group, a partnership involving the Lac La Croix First Nation, is proposing the run-of-the-river project.
Conservancy member Paul Anderson says the IJC needs to review the impact the project may have on the Rainy Lake Watershed.
"They say they'll look at, but we're getting a little frustrated they haven't looked at it yet," says Anderson. "The hydro project has been in the planning stages for three years now."
Anderson says they're hoping for a private meeting with the IJC when they meet in International Falls later this month.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Scott Street Now Open
Traffic is once again flowing on Scott Street.
Barricades blocking the intersection at Scott and Portage Avenue were removed this morning.
The intersection was closed for the past week as crews installed new sewer and water lines along Portage.
Barricades blocking the intersection at Scott and Portage Avenue were removed this morning.
The intersection was closed for the past week as crews installed new sewer and water lines along Portage.
Conservation Signage Going Up
The Ministry of Natural Resources is looking to better promote the Rainy Lake Islands Conservation Area.
The area includes more than 54-hundred hectares of crown land islands and was established more than five years ago.
MNR District Planner Rachel Hill says they're now looking at a project that will see signs placed in high traffic areas to better inform the public of the conservation area.
The area includes more than 54-hundred hectares of crown land islands and was established more than five years ago.
MNR District Planner Rachel Hill says they're now looking at a project that will see signs placed in high traffic areas to better inform the public of the conservation area.
Condo Project Reviewed
The future of a condominium project in Fort Frances will get a further review today.
Members of the planning and development committee will consider extending a purchase agreement with developer Robert Zanette.
Zanette informed town council last week that despite a lack of sales in the Front Street project, he's willing to continue marketing through the winter with possible construction next spring.
The Thunder Bay-based developer still feels there is demand for the units.
Members of the planning and development committee will consider extending a purchase agreement with developer Robert Zanette.
Zanette informed town council last week that despite a lack of sales in the Front Street project, he's willing to continue marketing through the winter with possible construction next spring.
The Thunder Bay-based developer still feels there is demand for the units.
Scott Street to Open
A week long closure of the intersection at Scott Street and Portage Avenue is expected to end later today.
Fort Frances Superintendent of Environmental and Facilities Doug Herr says installation of new water and sewer lines was completed on the weekend.
Herr says a crushed asphalt surface will be put down on the roadway, allowing traffic to move freely down Scott by the end of the day.
Fort Frances Superintendent of Environmental and Facilities Doug Herr says installation of new water and sewer lines was completed on the weekend.
Herr says a crushed asphalt surface will be put down on the roadway, allowing traffic to move freely down Scott by the end of the day.
Underpass Closure Defended
The town of Fort Frances is defending the lengthy shutdown of the Portage Avenue underpass.
The closure was extended another three weeks following of the discovery of a silty clay underneath the road bed last week.
Superintendent of Environmental and Facilities Doug Herr says it required the contractor to do additional work on the site.
"So they had to excavate three feet of material and put a crushed rock material in there to get more stability so they can actually work off of it," says Herr.
Herr says the presence of the clay was not previously know until crews starting digging up the road last week.
The closure was extended another three weeks following of the discovery of a silty clay underneath the road bed last week.
Superintendent of Environmental and Facilities Doug Herr says it required the contractor to do additional work on the site.
"So they had to excavate three feet of material and put a crushed rock material in there to get more stability so they can actually work off of it," says Herr.
Herr says the presence of the clay was not previously know until crews starting digging up the road last week.
Property Standards Questioned
A Fort Frances councillor feels some businesses are being unfairly targeted by the town's enforcement of its property standards by-law.
Ken Perry told council last night five west end property owners received letters he says suggest they install tall fences or trees around their properties.
Perry questioned the motives behind the letters.
"Why did we send five property owners letters when we have 40 plus properties in that area and one of them conforms to anything close to what the by-law says?," said Perry. "and we're asking five of these people to put up a fence."
Perry admitted there is a need for improvement in the area, but doubts any of the owners receiving letters will comply.
Mayor Roy Avis says a review of the by-law maybe in order, but the town needs to take steps to improve the community.
"I think that the direction that's gone to administration is that we want to see this community cleaned up," says Avis., "We want to see them fight blight. We want to see a better community for us to live in and make it acceptable to people who drive in the community. We have the best cemeteries in the area, but we have detractions in other areas."
But the town's Chief Building Officer says the town has no plans to force property owners in the west end to erect fences or trees around their property.
Rick Hallam says the letters issued to property owners simply asked them to make an effort to tidy up their properties.
Hallam says owners were informed of an option of erecting a fence or trees as a buffer, but there was no direct order issued for them to move in that direction.
He adds the town recently revised its property maintenance and occupancy standards by-law this past March.
Ken Perry told council last night five west end property owners received letters he says suggest they install tall fences or trees around their properties.
Perry questioned the motives behind the letters.
"Why did we send five property owners letters when we have 40 plus properties in that area and one of them conforms to anything close to what the by-law says?," said Perry. "and we're asking five of these people to put up a fence."
Perry admitted there is a need for improvement in the area, but doubts any of the owners receiving letters will comply.
Mayor Roy Avis says a review of the by-law maybe in order, but the town needs to take steps to improve the community.
"I think that the direction that's gone to administration is that we want to see this community cleaned up," says Avis., "We want to see them fight blight. We want to see a better community for us to live in and make it acceptable to people who drive in the community. We have the best cemeteries in the area, but we have detractions in other areas."
But the town's Chief Building Officer says the town has no plans to force property owners in the west end to erect fences or trees around their property.
Rick Hallam says the letters issued to property owners simply asked them to make an effort to tidy up their properties.
Hallam says owners were informed of an option of erecting a fence or trees as a buffer, but there was no direct order issued for them to move in that direction.
He adds the town recently revised its property maintenance and occupancy standards by-law this past March.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Devlin Drug Bust
The seizure of a quantity of marijuana and cannabis marijuana has resulted in drug charges being laid against two residents of Devlin.
Constable Anne McCoy says the charges stem from an investigation involving members of the Fort Frances OPP Detachment, their Drug Enforcement Section and the Northwest Region Drug Unit.
Over fifty marihuana plants and 700 grams of cannabis marihuana were seized.
Police estimate the street value of over $68,000.
Ryan Lennstrom and Donna Shoemaker, both of Devlin, have been charged under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act including one count of production of marihuana and one count of possession for the purpose of trafficking.
Both are scheduled to appear in Fort Frances Court on October 5.
Constable Anne McCoy says the charges stem from an investigation involving members of the Fort Frances OPP Detachment, their Drug Enforcement Section and the Northwest Region Drug Unit.
Over fifty marihuana plants and 700 grams of cannabis marihuana were seized.
Police estimate the street value of over $68,000.
Ryan Lennstrom and Donna Shoemaker, both of Devlin, have been charged under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act including one count of production of marihuana and one count of possession for the purpose of trafficking.
Both are scheduled to appear in Fort Frances Court on October 5.
Wolf Concerns
A series of wolf attacks has prompted police to warn residents living along Lake Superior's north shore to guard their children and pets.
Three dogs have been preyed upon by timberwolves in the last month, and more since March.
The latest attack came Thursday near Marathon.
Ontario Provincial Police believe the same wolf is responsible for all of the attacks.
Three dogs have been preyed upon by timberwolves in the last month, and more since March.
The latest attack came Thursday near Marathon.
Ontario Provincial Police believe the same wolf is responsible for all of the attacks.
Fort Frances Councillors Meet
The latest update of work projects around Fort Frances will be provided at tonight's meeting of town councillors.
Also on the agenda are several service contracts involving the Fort Frances Children's Complex.
A permanent closure of a runway at the Fort Frances airport is also on the table during the public portion of the meeting which begins at about 5:30 p.m.
Also on the agenda are several service contracts involving the Fort Frances Children's Complex.
A permanent closure of a runway at the Fort Frances airport is also on the table during the public portion of the meeting which begins at about 5:30 p.m.
H1N1 Update
The spread of the H1N1 virus apparently hasn't completely died off just yet.
After reporting no new cases a week ago, the Ontario Ministry of Health is now confirming three new cases of H-1-N-1 in this region.
The province has not indicated which communities the virus was identified in, but brings to 73 the number of confirmed cases of H1N1 in northwestern Ontario this year.
After reporting no new cases a week ago, the Ontario Ministry of Health is now confirming three new cases of H-1-N-1 in this region.
The province has not indicated which communities the virus was identified in, but brings to 73 the number of confirmed cases of H1N1 in northwestern Ontario this year.
Strike Advoided at Northern Ontario University
Students attending Laurentian University can breathe a sigh of relief.
A tentative contract agreement has been reached between the Sudbury university and its non-teaching staff.
The 250 workers, including administrative and maintenance staff, have been without a contract since June 30.
The agreement came as both parties were entering a legal strike or lock-out position.
A tentative contract agreement has been reached between the Sudbury university and its non-teaching staff.
The 250 workers, including administrative and maintenance staff, have been without a contract since June 30.
The agreement came as both parties were entering a legal strike or lock-out position.
Youth Employment Centre Closes
The economy was a factor, but officials with Service Canada's Youth Employment Centre in Fort Frances are happy with how their year went.
The centre officially closed for the season Friday.
Youth Services Officer Dayna Debenedet says over one-hundred students accessed their services.
"We're pleased," says Debenedet. "It was a little slower than usual partly because of the economic situation in town, but we're pretty happy with the number."
About 70 to 80 jobs from the local area were posted at the local centre, but hundreds more from around northwestern Ontario were also available to area students to consider.
Debenedet says this year's Odd Job Squad and Hire-a-Student weeks also proved very successful with many students finding employment.
The centre officially closed for the season Friday.
Youth Services Officer Dayna Debenedet says over one-hundred students accessed their services.
"We're pleased," says Debenedet. "It was a little slower than usual partly because of the economic situation in town, but we're pretty happy with the number."
About 70 to 80 jobs from the local area were posted at the local centre, but hundreds more from around northwestern Ontario were also available to area students to consider.
Debenedet says this year's Odd Job Squad and Hire-a-Student weeks also proved very successful with many students finding employment.
Forestry Strategy Demanded
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton is calling on the McGuinty Liberals for a strategy that helps secure the future of the province's forest industry.
His call comes in the wake of last week's announcement by AbitibiBowater to idle two paper machines at its Thunder Bay mill.
Hampton foresees the situation getting worse unless action is taken now.
"We could well see another paper mill close in northern Ontario in the next few months," says Hampton. "It would be very tragic and there's a real need for government action."
Hampton says that action must include the availability of affordable power to remain competitive with mills elsewhere in country and the United States.
His call comes in the wake of last week's announcement by AbitibiBowater to idle two paper machines at its Thunder Bay mill.
Hampton foresees the situation getting worse unless action is taken now.
"We could well see another paper mill close in northern Ontario in the next few months," says Hampton. "It would be very tragic and there's a real need for government action."
Hampton says that action must include the availability of affordable power to remain competitive with mills elsewhere in country and the United States.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
