It's time to start thinking about Christmas - and the annual Christmas Parade in Fort Frances.
This year's event is being organized by employees at Causeway Insurance.
Spokeperson Pam Buttner say they stepped forward when the Fort Frances downtown Business Improvement Association sought out someone to run the event earlier this year.
"We didn't want it to see it go down the road and disappear," says Buttner. We wanted to have the Christmas parade to still be in town for everyone to enjoy."
B-93 will be helping Causeway by accepting applications for organizations interested in taking part in the November 28th event.
Register by calling Causeway Insurance at 274-6688 or B-93 at 274-5341.
Friday, October 16, 2009
MADD Film Shown to Students
A powerful message about the dangers and consequences of impaired driving was delivered to some students in the Rainy River District.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving presented its film Wasted to students in Rainy River, Atikokan and Fort Frances this week.
Spokesperson Rahul D'Cunha says although its a fictional account of an accident that leads to a fatal conclusion, it hit did home to some students.
"From being at Fort Frances high school, a lot of students were emotional," says D'Cunha. "Some had to walk out because the film was very intense for them. Some of them, I think it's really sticking in. It might take a couple of days for them to think about the effects of drinking and driving."
D'Cunha says MADD Canada combines the film with a curriculum he hopes will spur further discussion in the classroom.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving presented its film Wasted to students in Rainy River, Atikokan and Fort Frances this week.
Spokesperson Rahul D'Cunha says although its a fictional account of an accident that leads to a fatal conclusion, it hit did home to some students.
"From being at Fort Frances high school, a lot of students were emotional," says D'Cunha. "Some had to walk out because the film was very intense for them. Some of them, I think it's really sticking in. It might take a couple of days for them to think about the effects of drinking and driving."
D'Cunha says MADD Canada combines the film with a curriculum he hopes will spur further discussion in the classroom.
H1N1 Death in Timmins
A 15-year-old boy in Timmins has died after contracting the H1N1 virus, the first such death reported in the northern Ontario city.
The area's medical officer of health says it's uncertain if he had any pre-existing medical conditions.
More than 70 people in northwestern Ontario have diagnosed with H1N1 to date, none resulting in a death.
The area's medical officer of health says it's uncertain if he had any pre-existing medical conditions.
More than 70 people in northwestern Ontario have diagnosed with H1N1 to date, none resulting in a death.
Little Help for Children's Aid Societies
Premier Dalton McGuinty isn't holding out much hope of additional funding for Ontario's cash-strapped Children's Aid Societies.
McGuinty said the province doesn't have the cash to cover a 67-(m) million-dollar shortfall.
McGuinty says funding to the C-A-S's have increased over the past several years and both sides have to find a way to manage.
He had a similar message for Ontario hospitals, saying with an 18-billion-dollar deficit, the province can't bail them as it has in the past.
McGuinty said the province doesn't have the cash to cover a 67-(m) million-dollar shortfall.
McGuinty says funding to the C-A-S's have increased over the past several years and both sides have to find a way to manage.
He had a similar message for Ontario hospitals, saying with an 18-billion-dollar deficit, the province can't bail them as it has in the past.
Watering Practices Changed
There will be new procedures taken by the town of Fort Frances how the watering of flowers hung annually by the local downtown Business Improvement Association and Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce is done.
The town says it will continue to water the plants, but only when it has summer students on staff.
When it doesn't have students available, it's leaving the job up to up to the BIA and Chamber.
The town plans to discuss the changes with both groups.
The town says it will continue to water the plants, but only when it has summer students on staff.
When it doesn't have students available, it's leaving the job up to up to the BIA and Chamber.
The town plans to discuss the changes with both groups.
Town Appoints Position on Forest Tenure
The town of Fort Frances has come out with a position regarding the province's plans to change how Ontario's forests are allocated.
It's supporting an industry call for community-based input into sustainable forest licenses to ensure economic benefits are realized and that any auction of harvested wood be done in areas only where surplus fibre exists.
Mayor Roy Avis says the position came out of a recent meeting with local industry officials.
"There's some real issues coming forward there," says Avis, "one of them being the future licensing. They want to auction off these wood lots. It really puts a strain on a lot of smaller operators."
Avis was also disappointed public hearings into the proposed changes weren't held in Fort Frances.
It's supporting an industry call for community-based input into sustainable forest licenses to ensure economic benefits are realized and that any auction of harvested wood be done in areas only where surplus fibre exists.
Mayor Roy Avis says the position came out of a recent meeting with local industry officials.
"There's some real issues coming forward there," says Avis, "one of them being the future licensing. They want to auction off these wood lots. It really puts a strain on a lot of smaller operators."
Avis was also disappointed public hearings into the proposed changes weren't held in Fort Frances.
Conservative Mailer Upset Local MP
Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty is disappointed in what he calls an attempt to confuse constituents in his riding by the Conservative government over his stance on the long-gun registry.
A recent mailout from Conservative M-P Dona Cadman suggests the New Democrat supports the registry, something Rafferty says is not the truth.
"It's clearly a lie," says Rafferty, "and now I have to spent time, when I should be spending time on forestry and workers pensions and small farmer and they issues they have, discounting this mischievous mailing into my riding."
Rafferty has not talked with Cadman, but says he's spoken with the Conservative MP who has a private member's bill ending the registry to reiterate his support.
A recent mailout from Conservative M-P Dona Cadman suggests the New Democrat supports the registry, something Rafferty says is not the truth.
"It's clearly a lie," says Rafferty, "and now I have to spent time, when I should be spending time on forestry and workers pensions and small farmer and they issues they have, discounting this mischievous mailing into my riding."
Rafferty has not talked with Cadman, but says he's spoken with the Conservative MP who has a private member's bill ending the registry to reiterate his support.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
After School Program Introduced to Atikokan
An Atikokan school has been selected as the only site in the Rainy River district to participate in the province's new After-School Initiative.
The program is designed to help students in high-needs neighbourhoods to improve their personal health and wellness through a variety of after school programs.
Programs in Atikokan will be delivered out of North Star School.
The program is designed to help students in high-needs neighbourhoods to improve their personal health and wellness through a variety of after school programs.
Programs in Atikokan will be delivered out of North Star School.
DriveTest Labour Dispute Continues
The strike by the province's driving inspectors is into its eighth week.
Workers at DriveTest, which is in charge of driving tests throughout Ontario, have been on strike since August 21st.
The two sides haven't met since Saturday when the mediator asked both sides to stand-down talks to allow a "cooling off period.''
Managing director Paul Dalglish says the company's latest offer was sent to employees Friday to help spur some movement at the bargaining table.
Workers at DriveTest, which is in charge of driving tests throughout Ontario, have been on strike since August 21st.
The two sides haven't met since Saturday when the mediator asked both sides to stand-down talks to allow a "cooling off period.''
Managing director Paul Dalglish says the company's latest offer was sent to employees Friday to help spur some movement at the bargaining table.
Fuel Price Change at Airport
Fuel prices at the Fort Frances airport are going up.
Councillors approved new fuel prices at their Tuesday meeting.
100 light lead fuel will be 30 per cent above the town's cost while Jet-A fuel is 40 per cent over cost.
Councillor Rick Wiedenhoeft says the prices reflect those charged at airports elsewhere in northwestern Ontario.
Councillors approved new fuel prices at their Tuesday meeting.
100 light lead fuel will be 30 per cent above the town's cost while Jet-A fuel is 40 per cent over cost.
Councillor Rick Wiedenhoeft says the prices reflect those charged at airports elsewhere in northwestern Ontario.
Former College President Appointed to State Board
A former president of Rainy River Community College has been appointed to Minnesota's Board of Dentistry.
Governor Tim Pawlenty announced the appointment of Allen Rasmussen Tuesday.
Rasmussen, who served as college president between 1993 and 2001, will serve a four year term on the board responsible for regulating and licensing the state's health care professionals.
Governor Tim Pawlenty announced the appointment of Allen Rasmussen Tuesday.
Rasmussen, who served as college president between 1993 and 2001, will serve a four year term on the board responsible for regulating and licensing the state's health care professionals.
New Name Sought
An organization that provides safety and assistance to abused women and their children in the district is seeking a new name.
The Atikokan Crisis Centre has been providing its programs more than thirty years and was named because of its current location.
Executive Director Donna Kroocmo says they want to dispell the myth they are there only for Atikokan.
"We're hearing from women in Big Grassy and Sabaskong who believe they should be going to Kenora," says Kroocmo, "but they are in our catchment area. So are women in Rainy River, Emo and Fort Frances. We've tried to expand services to try to include women in the west."
Kroocmo says they're hoping to come with a new name by the end of the month.
The Atikokan Crisis Centre has been providing its programs more than thirty years and was named because of its current location.
Executive Director Donna Kroocmo says they want to dispell the myth they are there only for Atikokan.
"We're hearing from women in Big Grassy and Sabaskong who believe they should be going to Kenora," says Kroocmo, "but they are in our catchment area. So are women in Rainy River, Emo and Fort Frances. We've tried to expand services to try to include women in the west."
Kroocmo says they're hoping to come with a new name by the end of the month.
Children's Aid Societies Speak Out
Ontario children's aid societies are pressing their case to have the loss of provincial funding restored.
The Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies says the agencies face a $67-million shortfall.
Spokesman Marcelo Gomez-Wiuckstern says that threatens their ability to keep vulnerable kids safe.
Gomez-Wiuckstern says agencies won't be able see children as often and case workers will assess case files less frequently if budgets are cut.
Both Family and Childrens Services Rainy River and Weechi-it-te-win Family Services have reported deficits totalling hundreds of thousand dollars.
The Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies says the agencies face a $67-million shortfall.
Spokesman Marcelo Gomez-Wiuckstern says that threatens their ability to keep vulnerable kids safe.
Gomez-Wiuckstern says agencies won't be able see children as often and case workers will assess case files less frequently if budgets are cut.
Both Family and Childrens Services Rainy River and Weechi-it-te-win Family Services have reported deficits totalling hundreds of thousand dollars.
FCM Support Letter Writing Campaign
Mayors across the country are being asked to wade into an anti-Buy American fight after one northern Ontario mayor's efforts attracted national attention.
North Bay Mayor Victor Fedeli sent letters to the mayors of three U-S cities where North Bay made large purchases recently asking them to consider the local impacts had his city not made those buys.
Now, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities is suggesting other mayors do the same.
Fedeli says it will give officials working to soften the Buy American provisions one more tool in their arsenal.
But when asked it Fort Frances would follow North Bay's lead, Mayor Roy Avis says he doesn't think its something his council will consider.
North Bay Mayor Victor Fedeli sent letters to the mayors of three U-S cities where North Bay made large purchases recently asking them to consider the local impacts had his city not made those buys.
Now, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities is suggesting other mayors do the same.
Fedeli says it will give officials working to soften the Buy American provisions one more tool in their arsenal.
But when asked it Fort Frances would follow North Bay's lead, Mayor Roy Avis says he doesn't think its something his council will consider.
Weather Impacts Paving
Weather is playing a role in efforts to complete paving projects in Fort Frances.
Paving of Central Avenue was planned for last week, but Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says temperatures weren't conducive for laying asphalt.
"You have to a temperature of 7 C and rising," says Brown.
Brown says crews are now looking to the end of this week to pave the area, weather permitting.
Paving of Central Avenue was planned for last week, but Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says temperatures weren't conducive for laying asphalt.
"You have to a temperature of 7 C and rising," says Brown.
Brown says crews are now looking to the end of this week to pave the area, weather permitting.
Camp Purchase Finalized
The town of Fort Frances has formally agreed to purchasing Sunny Cove Camp.
Tuesday night, councillors gave their blessing to purchasing the more than 50-year old camp from the Fort Frances Kiwanis Club for one dollar.
Mayor Roy Avis says the acquisition will be a good one for the area.
"I think that council and administration have review very diligently the acquisition of this," Says Avis, "and I think over the next few years it will prove to be a win-win situation for this community and the district."
Immediate plans by the town call for establishing an advisory committee and upgrading the park's water system.
Tuesday night, councillors gave their blessing to purchasing the more than 50-year old camp from the Fort Frances Kiwanis Club for one dollar.
Mayor Roy Avis says the acquisition will be a good one for the area.
"I think that council and administration have review very diligently the acquisition of this," Says Avis, "and I think over the next few years it will prove to be a win-win situation for this community and the district."
Immediate plans by the town call for establishing an advisory committee and upgrading the park's water system.
Safety Zones Requested
A request to improve pedestrian safety in the west end of Fort Frances.
Members of the town's Active Transportation Committee want a community safety zone declared between Legion Park and McIrvine Road, a school safety zone around J.W. Walker School and a crossing guard at Keating Avenue and Kings Highway.
Committee member OPP Constable Anne McCoy told council last night their support was important to improving safety in their area.
"I'd like to see the town take a pro-active approach when it comes to making a positive change in pedestrian safety for our kids," said McCoy. "I'd like see a start with this initiative and see how it grows."
McCoy says the committee been able to gain the support of other agencies with other safety initiatives for the area.
Members of the town's Active Transportation Committee want a community safety zone declared between Legion Park and McIrvine Road, a school safety zone around J.W. Walker School and a crossing guard at Keating Avenue and Kings Highway.
Committee member OPP Constable Anne McCoy told council last night their support was important to improving safety in their area.
"I'd like to see the town take a pro-active approach when it comes to making a positive change in pedestrian safety for our kids," said McCoy. "I'd like see a start with this initiative and see how it grows."
McCoy says the committee been able to gain the support of other agencies with other safety initiatives for the area.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Check Your Blind Spot
The Responsible Gambling Council is out with a new public awareness to help problem gamblers in the district.
'Check Your Blind Spot' aims to help residents identify the signs and symptoms of a problem gambler.
C.E.O. Jon Kelly says gambling is a real issue in northwestern Ontario.
"We estimate there are more than 2-thousand people in the Kenora-Rainy River district who probably have gambling problems," says Kelly. "The good news is that there is excellent counselling available across the province."
Additional resources can be obtained on the website www.checkyourblindspot.ca
'Check Your Blind Spot' aims to help residents identify the signs and symptoms of a problem gambler.
C.E.O. Jon Kelly says gambling is a real issue in northwestern Ontario.
"We estimate there are more than 2-thousand people in the Kenora-Rainy River district who probably have gambling problems," says Kelly. "The good news is that there is excellent counselling available across the province."
Additional resources can be obtained on the website www.checkyourblindspot.ca
Food Bank Usage Up
The Ontario Association of Food Banks has released a report calling attention to the dire situation of the province's food banks.
The report says Ontario's food banks are under tremendous pressure due to growing unemployment, continually increasing food prices, and rising demand.
The recession means more people are in need of donations, while less people are giving.
Over 350-thousand Ontarians are turning to food banks every month in 2009, a figure that has increased by 20 per cent since last year.
The report says Ontario's food banks are under tremendous pressure due to growing unemployment, continually increasing food prices, and rising demand.
The recession means more people are in need of donations, while less people are giving.
Over 350-thousand Ontarians are turning to food banks every month in 2009, a figure that has increased by 20 per cent since last year.
Thanksgiving Weekend a Safe One
Ontario Provincial Police are reporting one of the safest Thanksgiving weekends in years on the province's highways.
During the weekend-long campaign almost every available officer in the province was on patrol, looking for speeders, impaired drivers and those who weren't buckled up.
Hundreds of drivers were pulled over in roadside RIDE checks across the province and several impaired driving charges were laid.
During the weekend-long campaign almost every available officer in the province was on patrol, looking for speeders, impaired drivers and those who weren't buckled up.
Hundreds of drivers were pulled over in roadside RIDE checks across the province and several impaired driving charges were laid.
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