Governor Tim Pawlenty wants the federal government to declare six northern Minnesota counties, including Koochiching County, Agricultural disaster areas.
He says farmers in those counties have suffered serious losses due to heavy rain and flooding over the past two years.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Foul Air Over Voyageurs National Park
Several conservation groups in Minnesota are calling on the federal government to force the state to reduce haze over Minnesota's national parks and wilderness areas.
They've petitioned the U-S government to include some tough clean-up measures in a plan being developed by the state's Pollution Control Agency.
Chuck Laszewski of the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy says they want that plan to reduce the emissions and haze and improve the region's air quality.
"The air over some of our most pristine areas, particularly the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Voyageurs National Park, suffers from haze many days of the year," says Laszewski. "It shouldn't. When people go to those places, they should have crystal-clear skies to look at."
Laszewski says much of the haze can be attributed to coal-fired plants and taconite processing plants in Minnesota.
They've petitioned the U-S government to include some tough clean-up measures in a plan being developed by the state's Pollution Control Agency.
Chuck Laszewski of the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy says they want that plan to reduce the emissions and haze and improve the region's air quality.
"The air over some of our most pristine areas, particularly the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Voyageurs National Park, suffers from haze many days of the year," says Laszewski. "It shouldn't. When people go to those places, they should have crystal-clear skies to look at."
Laszewski says much of the haze can be attributed to coal-fired plants and taconite processing plants in Minnesota.
MNR Firefighters Returning Home
Ontario's forest fire fighters are ending their deployment in British Columbia.
The last remaining Ministry of Natural Resources fireRangers and support staff are expected back home today.
One hundred MNR personnel returned yesterday.
Ontario had been providing assistance to B.C. with its forest fire suppression efforts since late June.
The last remaining Ministry of Natural Resources fireRangers and support staff are expected back home today.
One hundred MNR personnel returned yesterday.
Ontario had been providing assistance to B.C. with its forest fire suppression efforts since late June.
Natural Gas Prices Down Again
Union Gas Customers in northwestern Ontario, including Fort Frances, can expect to see yet another decrease on their natural gas bills next month.
Spokesperson Andrea Stass says the Ontario Energy Board has approved an almost 11 per cent decrease in the cost of natural gas effective October 1st.
"We're seeing additional supplies of natural gas that have been discovered," says Stass, "as well as a bit of reduction in demand related to the recent recession. That's caused some market price of gas to go down and we're adjusting our rates to reflect those reductions."
Stass says its the fourth decrease this year which have cut bills almost in half since January.
Spokesperson Andrea Stass says the Ontario Energy Board has approved an almost 11 per cent decrease in the cost of natural gas effective October 1st.
"We're seeing additional supplies of natural gas that have been discovered," says Stass, "as well as a bit of reduction in demand related to the recent recession. That's caused some market price of gas to go down and we're adjusting our rates to reflect those reductions."
Stass says its the fourth decrease this year which have cut bills almost in half since January.
OPP Incidents Dropping
Ontario Provincial Police continue to take a big bite out of crime in the Fort Frances area.
Police have responded to more than 32-hundred incidents this year which is a 12 per cent decrease over last year and a 5 per cent drop from 2007.
Inspector John Kendrick says attempts to reduce property crime is one of the focuses for the local detachment.
"We're continuing our 'Lock it or Lose it' campaign in an attempt to curb opportunistic crimes," says Kendrick. "A vast majority of these incident would not have occurred if some attempt had been made to secure the property."
Kendrick says 15 per cent of all property crimes so far are related to stolen bicycles.
Police have responded to more than 32-hundred incidents this year which is a 12 per cent decrease over last year and a 5 per cent drop from 2007.
Inspector John Kendrick says attempts to reduce property crime is one of the focuses for the local detachment.
"We're continuing our 'Lock it or Lose it' campaign in an attempt to curb opportunistic crimes," says Kendrick. "A vast majority of these incident would not have occurred if some attempt had been made to secure the property."
Kendrick says 15 per cent of all property crimes so far are related to stolen bicycles.
Scott Street Closure Planned
Another closure of Scott Street at Portage Avenue is planned for next week.
Operations and Facilities Manager for the town of Fort Frances Doug Brown says the intersection will be shutdown for one day next week to allow for paving of the area.
An exact date for the closure has yet to be determined.
Operations and Facilities Manager for the town of Fort Frances Doug Brown says the intersection will be shutdown for one day next week to allow for paving of the area.
An exact date for the closure has yet to be determined.
Tower Installation Proceeding
The installation of a former fire tower at the Fort Frances waterfront is moving along.
Community Services Manager George Bell says four sections of the tower have already been moved from Pither's Point Park with the base now in place at its new resting spot.
"The iron workers will be here next week install the stairs and the 25 foot deck and railings," says Bell, "and the landscaping at the tower site is proceeding ahead of schedule."
Bell expects the relocation project to be completed by mid-October
Community Services Manager George Bell says four sections of the tower have already been moved from Pither's Point Park with the base now in place at its new resting spot.
"The iron workers will be here next week install the stairs and the 25 foot deck and railings," says Bell, "and the landscaping at the tower site is proceeding ahead of schedule."
Bell expects the relocation project to be completed by mid-October
H1N1 Preps
The town of Fort Frances is preparing for the potential of an H1N1 flu outbreak.
An infectious control policy is currently being drafted as part of its emergency response plan.
Human Resources Manager Christine Ruppenstein says in the meantime they're implementing some education and preventive measures.
"You'll see the hand sanitizers going up at all the facilities at the entrances," says Ruppenstein. "We're hoping trying catch everyone as soon they go through the doors at the airport, civic centre, sports centre, children's complex, museum, library, public works as well as the parks and cemeteries."
Ruppentein says there will also be posters and hand-outs to staff promoting awareness in preventing the spread of disease.
An infectious control policy is currently being drafted as part of its emergency response plan.
Human Resources Manager Christine Ruppenstein says in the meantime they're implementing some education and preventive measures.
"You'll see the hand sanitizers going up at all the facilities at the entrances," says Ruppenstein. "We're hoping trying catch everyone as soon they go through the doors at the airport, civic centre, sports centre, children's complex, museum, library, public works as well as the parks and cemeteries."
Ruppentein says there will also be posters and hand-outs to staff promoting awareness in preventing the spread of disease.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Boater Deadline Passes
Thousands of boaters could be violating the law today if they go out in their boat without a pleasure craft operators licence.
Midnight was the deadline to have a licence.
The fine for not having a license is $250-dollars.
It's estimated more than 8-million Canadian boaters have yet to acquire their licence.
Midnight was the deadline to have a licence.
The fine for not having a license is $250-dollars.
It's estimated more than 8-million Canadian boaters have yet to acquire their licence.
Rafferty Warm to EI Proposals
Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty says more study is needed, but proposals to the employment insurance program might help keep MP's in Ottawa.
The fall session of Parliament began yesterday with the threat of an election looming.
Rafferty says the changes which include an extension of benefits to workers and the ability for self-employed workers to pay into the program look promising.
"If I'm telling you right now that we're trying to make parliament and do what's right for Canadians, those two parts of the package look good," says Rafferty.
Rafferty still feels its up to Prime Minister Harper to determine how long the session lasts.
The fall session of Parliament began yesterday with the threat of an election looming.
Rafferty says the changes which include an extension of benefits to workers and the ability for self-employed workers to pay into the program look promising.
"If I'm telling you right now that we're trying to make parliament and do what's right for Canadians, those two parts of the package look good," says Rafferty.
Rafferty still feels its up to Prime Minister Harper to determine how long the session lasts.
AbitibiBowater Deal in Thunder Bay
Woodlands workers who supply logs and chips to AbitibiBowater's pulp, newsprint and lumber operations in Thunder Bay are taking a pay cut and making other concessions.
Steelworkers Local president Joe Hanlon says the new three year agreement was developed as a response to the company's urgent request for cost-saving measures, but admits there is no guarantees the mills will stay open.
Steelworkers Local president Joe Hanlon says the new three year agreement was developed as a response to the company's urgent request for cost-saving measures, but admits there is no guarantees the mills will stay open.
PUBLIC MEETING ON NEW BORDER FACILTY
The public will get to have its say today on a proposed new facility for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Service in International Falls.
Project Manager Don Melcher of the U-S General Services Administration says a scoping meeting will take place at Rainy River Community College.
An informal meeting will be held at 2 p.m. with a more formal presentation happening at 7 p.m. in Room H-118,
Project Manager Don Melcher of the U-S General Services Administration says a scoping meeting will take place at Rainy River Community College.
An informal meeting will be held at 2 p.m. with a more formal presentation happening at 7 p.m. in Room H-118,
Lakers Look to Score Town Support
The Fort Frances Lakers junior A hockey club was seeking more immediate help from town council last night.
Board chair Milt Strachan says among the things as a reduction in fees paid for ice time for practices during the morning hours.
"This is a dead ice-time," says Strachan. " In other words this ice-time that wouldn't be used if there wasn't a junior hockey club."
Strachan says they'd also like the opportunity to run their own hockey school and share of concession revenues obtained during Laker games.
Board chair Milt Strachan says among the things as a reduction in fees paid for ice time for practices during the morning hours.
"This is a dead ice-time," says Strachan. " In other words this ice-time that wouldn't be used if there wasn't a junior hockey club."
Strachan says they'd also like the opportunity to run their own hockey school and share of concession revenues obtained during Laker games.
Transportation Requests Submitted
A town committee is looking for some assistance in carrying out a transportation plan in Fort Frances.
Elaine Fisher of the Active Transportation Committee wants council to focus on five specific projects, including one to paint pedestrian walkways at intersections.
"We realize a lot of our intersections aren't clearly marked for people to cross," says Fisher. "Something as simple as paint to just clearly define the major intersection and crosswalks (should be considered)."
The committee is also seeking to identify a bike route along 4th street, upgrade of some of the so-called monkey trails within the community and ongoing town involvement with the committee as its carries out its active transportation plan.
Elaine Fisher of the Active Transportation Committee wants council to focus on five specific projects, including one to paint pedestrian walkways at intersections.
"We realize a lot of our intersections aren't clearly marked for people to cross," says Fisher. "Something as simple as paint to just clearly define the major intersection and crosswalks (should be considered)."
The committee is also seeking to identify a bike route along 4th street, upgrade of some of the so-called monkey trails within the community and ongoing town involvement with the committee as its carries out its active transportation plan.
Crossing Guard Requested
Calls for a crossing guard at one of the busiest intersections in Fort Frances.
Speaking on behalf of the Rainy River Valley Safety Coalition, OPP Constable Anne McCoy told town councillors last night the need for a crossing guard at Kings Highway and Keating Avenue arose during a project involving J.W. Walker School.
McCoy feels costs could be shared.
"I have already approached corporations," says McCoy. "One is already at the corporate level right now looking at whether or not they will contribute financially to this project."
McCoy says a recent traffic initiative at the intersection netted a number of charges against motorists who failed to stop for the red light.
Speaking on behalf of the Rainy River Valley Safety Coalition, OPP Constable Anne McCoy told town councillors last night the need for a crossing guard at Kings Highway and Keating Avenue arose during a project involving J.W. Walker School.
McCoy feels costs could be shared.
"I have already approached corporations," says McCoy. "One is already at the corporate level right now looking at whether or not they will contribute financially to this project."
McCoy says a recent traffic initiative at the intersection netted a number of charges against motorists who failed to stop for the red light.
Budget Process Begins
There was plenty for Fort Frances town council to consider at a public meeting on the 2010 budget.
Last night's meeting brought forward a number of requests.
Mayor Roy Avis admits this will be another difficult year for council.
"The budget for 2010 will be very difficult as we are in the middle of a recession, our major employer and taxpayer is still in bankruptcy protection and our senior government deficits are growing," says Avis. "In many areas of our community people are struggling. I feel this should be a budget of necessities and not luxuries."
Avis did put forward three requests of his own for council to consider.
They included the hard-surfacing of 5th Street between Portage Avenue and McIrvine Road, the hard-surfacing of Boundary Road and the creation of a work crews whose main focus would be maintaining the area around the Sorting Gap Marina.
Council is not expected to finalize its budget until next April.
Last night's meeting brought forward a number of requests.
Mayor Roy Avis admits this will be another difficult year for council.
"The budget for 2010 will be very difficult as we are in the middle of a recession, our major employer and taxpayer is still in bankruptcy protection and our senior government deficits are growing," says Avis. "In many areas of our community people are struggling. I feel this should be a budget of necessities and not luxuries."
Avis did put forward three requests of his own for council to consider.
They included the hard-surfacing of 5th Street between Portage Avenue and McIrvine Road, the hard-surfacing of Boundary Road and the creation of a work crews whose main focus would be maintaining the area around the Sorting Gap Marina.
Council is not expected to finalize its budget until next April.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Oberholtzer Life Documented in New Film
A new film about the life and times of Ernest Oberholtzer will make its screen debut in Fort Frances today.
'Ober's Island - A Living Legacy' examines the life and the legacy of the conservationist, explorer and authority of the boundary lakes region.
Producer John Ruebartsch says it was Obertholtzer's diversity that attracted him to do the film.
"He was this highly educated guy," says Ruebartsch, "and yet he sort of became really good friends with the Ojibway and made this epic trip to Hudson's Bay. I think those are what I found very intriguing."
Ruebartsch will be in attendance for today's showing at the Fort Frances Museum at 2 p.m. and again at 7 p.m.
'Ober's Island - A Living Legacy' examines the life and the legacy of the conservationist, explorer and authority of the boundary lakes region.
Producer John Ruebartsch says it was Obertholtzer's diversity that attracted him to do the film.
"He was this highly educated guy," says Ruebartsch, "and yet he sort of became really good friends with the Ojibway and made this epic trip to Hudson's Bay. I think those are what I found very intriguing."
Ruebartsch will be in attendance for today's showing at the Fort Frances Museum at 2 p.m. and again at 7 p.m.
OLG Retailer Changes Proposed
If you sell them, don't play them.
Ontario retailers who sell lottery tickets will soon be banned from playing tickets bought in their own stores.
The move is aimed at stopping questionable insider wins and improving the image of Ontario's troubled lottery corporation.
A government source says the restriction will be announced today and will take effect in November.
Ontario retailers who sell lottery tickets will soon be banned from playing tickets bought in their own stores.
The move is aimed at stopping questionable insider wins and improving the image of Ontario's troubled lottery corporation.
A government source says the restriction will be announced today and will take effect in November.
Education Program Deemed Successful
A program introduced to all elementary schools last year is helping the Rainy River District School Board and its teachers plan for the future.
The Critical Learning Instructional Pathway helps identify student needs in the classroom.
The board's effective school leader Sylvia Parker says its a program has to led many student successes.
"We know that education today is changing," says Parker, "and that we have to develop students who are really critical thinkers. To do that we have to dig a little bit deeper. It's not just a curriculum that we're trying to cover, but we're also trying to develop the ability to think critically and make the connection with not just with what they're doing everyday in school but with the outside world."
Parker says the program has led to improved EQAO results at some schools.
The Critical Learning Instructional Pathway helps identify student needs in the classroom.
The board's effective school leader Sylvia Parker says its a program has to led many student successes.
"We know that education today is changing," says Parker, "and that we have to develop students who are really critical thinkers. To do that we have to dig a little bit deeper. It's not just a curriculum that we're trying to cover, but we're also trying to develop the ability to think critically and make the connection with not just with what they're doing everyday in school but with the outside world."
Parker says the program has led to improved EQAO results at some schools.
Boshcoff Talks Election
The potential of a fall election in on the mind Ken Boshcoff.
The former MP decided to run again for the Liberals in the Thunder Bay-Rainy River riding.
Boshcoff feels how the country is being governed will be the main issue for voters.
"I think it's very clearly is to what direction the country want to go in," says Boshcoff. "We clearly have been mired in lots of ineptitude and problems and people are ready for that change. When I talk to them, although no one wants an election, when I put it in that way, they say 'you're right, we can do much better."
Boshcoff admits he's not fully prepared, but expects his team will take shape if the writ is dropped.
The former MP decided to run again for the Liberals in the Thunder Bay-Rainy River riding.
Boshcoff feels how the country is being governed will be the main issue for voters.
"I think it's very clearly is to what direction the country want to go in," says Boshcoff. "We clearly have been mired in lots of ineptitude and problems and people are ready for that change. When I talk to them, although no one wants an election, when I put it in that way, they say 'you're right, we can do much better."
Boshcoff admits he's not fully prepared, but expects his team will take shape if the writ is dropped.
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