Damage to Pither's Point Park near the baseball diamond will cost the town of Fort Frances as much as $5000 to repair.
The repairs to the public green space cost everyone in the community and could easily have been avoided by having more respect.
Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says not much can be done until the spring to repair the eyesore.
“In the spring we’ll have to go in there and landscape it basically. Put it back to the proper levels, take all the ruts out, fill the holes and plant sore grass. It’s an eyesore for everyone that goes up to the Point.”
The park is in the process of filing an official report with the OPP and is asking for any information related to the incident.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Weather records continue to fall across Northwestern Ontario
According to Bill Laidlaw of signal weather services, more temperature records in the Rainy River district tumbled yesterday.
Fort Frances hit 14.2C, shattering the old record of 12 set 1999.
Atikokan hit 15.6C. The old record, set in 1969 was 13.3. Dryden, Kenora, and Red Lake also enjoyed strikingly warm weather. Dryden beating a record set in 1931.
And Sioux Lookout almost made it to the list - they got to 13.7, the old record was 13.9 set 1969.
Signal Weather services' Bill Laidlaw says that we should see another round of records broken today, but the weather will start to change drastically by tomorrow.
"There's a weak cold front coming out og Maintoba that's going to slide across us tomorrow. With that, temperatures start to drop and we'll be down to zero by suppertime."
Fort Frances hit 14.2C, shattering the old record of 12 set 1999.
Atikokan hit 15.6C. The old record, set in 1969 was 13.3. Dryden, Kenora, and Red Lake also enjoyed strikingly warm weather. Dryden beating a record set in 1931.
And Sioux Lookout almost made it to the list - they got to 13.7, the old record was 13.9 set 1969.
Signal Weather services' Bill Laidlaw says that we should see another round of records broken today, but the weather will start to change drastically by tomorrow.
"There's a weak cold front coming out og Maintoba that's going to slide across us tomorrow. With that, temperatures start to drop and we'll be down to zero by suppertime."
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Atikokan Renewal Committee Meeting tonight
The Atikokan Renewal Committee will meet informally tonight to discuss future projects for the beautification of the community.
The Committee maintains projects intended to spruce up Atikokan as companies such as Osisko move into the region. That includes such projects as tree planting and the recent renewal of Main Street.
Gord Knowles, the Community Development Advisor for the Atikokan Economic Development Corporation also acts as a resource for of the Committee. He says the Committee is always looking for input and volunteers.
"There's always a need for volunteers whether it's getting in and doing physical work or contributing ideas; we're always looking for input from the community, from business people, from local government..."
He added that the meeting tonight at 5:30 at the Outdoorsman restaurant is an excellent forum for that.
The Committee maintains projects intended to spruce up Atikokan as companies such as Osisko move into the region. That includes such projects as tree planting and the recent renewal of Main Street.
Gord Knowles, the Community Development Advisor for the Atikokan Economic Development Corporation also acts as a resource for of the Committee. He says the Committee is always looking for input and volunteers.
"There's always a need for volunteers whether it's getting in and doing physical work or contributing ideas; we're always looking for input from the community, from business people, from local government..."
He added that the meeting tonight at 5:30 at the Outdoorsman restaurant is an excellent forum for that.
New International Falls Border Facility
International Falls' new border patrol facility is officially open.
The US Border Patrol in International Falls is responsible for 143 miles of border and is the busiest in Minnesota.
The opening of the state of the art facility was years in the making and marked yesterday afternoon with a ceremony and tours.
It's 33,000 square feet and boasts new training rooms, and easy access to waterways with room for expansion.
The new Border Station is also home to the Minnesota State Patrol, making it the first of its kind in the US and precedent setting.
The US Border Patrol in International Falls is responsible for 143 miles of border and is the busiest in Minnesota.
The opening of the state of the art facility was years in the making and marked yesterday afternoon with a ceremony and tours.
It's 33,000 square feet and boasts new training rooms, and easy access to waterways with room for expansion.
The new Border Station is also home to the Minnesota State Patrol, making it the first of its kind in the US and precedent setting.
Fort Frances Citizen of the Year-Joyce Cunningham
Last night at town council, Joyce Cunningham was named the 23rd recipient of the Fort Frances Citizen of the year award.
The selection committee included citizen of the year 2000 Bill Gushalak, Mayor Avis and councillor Sharon Tibbs.
Cunningham was one of 17 nominees and will be officially honoured at the town's annual appreciation banquet on November 19th.
Cunningham will likely also participate in the Parade of Lights on the 27th.
The selection committee included citizen of the year 2000 Bill Gushalak, Mayor Avis and councillor Sharon Tibbs.
Cunningham was one of 17 nominees and will be officially honoured at the town's annual appreciation banquet on November 19th.
Cunningham will likely also participate in the Parade of Lights on the 27th.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Northwestern Ontario shatters weather records
It was a record-breaking weekend across northwestern Ontario in terms of weather.
A number of communities across the region set temperature records including Atikokan.
Bill Laidlaw from Signal Weather Services says the region will continue to shatter records this week.
"We're going to pushing the record country Monday, Tuesday and probably Wednesday as well that's as we get get this warm air. It's just ahead of a cold front. So I'll be keeping an eye on this over the next couple of days and we'll see what shakes out."
Laidlaw says Atikokan broke it's 2009 record of 12.8C yesterday with a high of 14.2C.
And the Fort and the Falls narrowly missed breaking the old record of 16.5 set in 1999 with 16C.
A number of communities across the region set temperature records including Atikokan.
Bill Laidlaw from Signal Weather Services says the region will continue to shatter records this week.
"We're going to pushing the record country Monday, Tuesday and probably Wednesday as well that's as we get get this warm air. It's just ahead of a cold front. So I'll be keeping an eye on this over the next couple of days and we'll see what shakes out."
Laidlaw says Atikokan broke it's 2009 record of 12.8C yesterday with a high of 14.2C.
And the Fort and the Falls narrowly missed breaking the old record of 16.5 set in 1999 with 16C.
International Falls Border Patrol Facility opens today
The new Border Patrol Facility officially opens in International Falls today.
The grand opening is being marked by a closed ceremony at 1pm this afternoon followed by a press conference and a facility tour.
The grand opening is being marked by a closed ceremony at 1pm this afternoon followed by a press conference and a facility tour.
Rainy River District School Board workshop
The Rainy River District School board is hosting a workshop today to discuss new ways to settle conflict.
The workshop is an introduction to alternative dispute resolution and restorative practise, which is an approach to discipline where the offender, the offender's parents and school staff are part of the process.
The community is invited to learn more about the use of restorative practise in the school environment.
The workshop happens this afternoon at 1pm at La Place Rendez Vous.
The workshop is an introduction to alternative dispute resolution and restorative practise, which is an approach to discipline where the offender, the offender's parents and school staff are part of the process.
The community is invited to learn more about the use of restorative practise in the school environment.
The workshop happens this afternoon at 1pm at La Place Rendez Vous.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Angler Survey
The Ministry of Natural Resources is looking to hear about anglers experiences in 2010.
Spokesperson Helen Ball says they'll be sending out surveys in January that look at a variety of aspects of fishing.
The survey is conducted every five years and will be sent out to 15 hundred anglers.
Spokesperson Helen Ball says they'll be sending out surveys in January that look at a variety of aspects of fishing.
The survey is conducted every five years and will be sent out to 15 hundred anglers.
The Royal WInter Agricultural Fair has strong Northern Ontario Involvement
As the Royal Winter Agrigultural Fair, the largest indoor fair is set to start it's 88th year in Toronto, Director of Marketing Scott McConnel, says the fair boasts a very heavy involvement from Northern Ontario.
"This will be the 10th year that we have a Northern Ontario Pavillion at the Royal," says McConnel. "And it's something that we're very excited about. It's a huge exhibit and features almost 50 exhibitors from all accross Northern Ontario and there are at least nine districts represented."
The Royal Winter Agricultural Fair starts today and runs until Sunday November 14th at Exhibition Direct Energy Place in Toronto.
"This will be the 10th year that we have a Northern Ontario Pavillion at the Royal," says McConnel. "And it's something that we're very excited about. It's a huge exhibit and features almost 50 exhibitors from all accross Northern Ontario and there are at least nine districts represented."
The Royal Winter Agricultural Fair starts today and runs until Sunday November 14th at Exhibition Direct Energy Place in Toronto.
National Health Food Month
November is National Health Food month and nutritionists are encouraging parents help their young children boost, fuel and maintain their overall health.
Jane Dummer, a registered dietician, says it can begin by increasing the consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids, such as DHA.
"Fish is a great source of natural DHA," she says, "However fish is not a food that every young child likes nor is it an everyday food in the home. Fortunately there are kid friendly Omega 3 DHA rich foods that can be found in the dairy aisle such as milk, yogurt and cheese."
Dummer also encourages parents to ensure their children start the day with a healthy breakfast and enjoy healthy snacks.
Jane Dummer, a registered dietician, says it can begin by increasing the consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids, such as DHA.
"Fish is a great source of natural DHA," she says, "However fish is not a food that every young child likes nor is it an everyday food in the home. Fortunately there are kid friendly Omega 3 DHA rich foods that can be found in the dairy aisle such as milk, yogurt and cheese."
Dummer also encourages parents to ensure their children start the day with a healthy breakfast and enjoy healthy snacks.
Soaring Hydro Rates
The Provincial NDP is continuing its attack on the McGuinty Liberals over the issue of soaring hydro rates.
The McGuinty Government has rejected an NDP Motion to take the HST off of hydro.
At Queen's Park Tuesday, leader Andrea Horwath raised the concerns of two area residents.
"They just can't make ends meet anymore," she said. "They're just unable to have a positive outlook for the future because costs are just too high. And we're saying to the government there's an easy straight forward way of addressing this where people don't have to jump through hoops applying for tax credits and things. You can make some real impact on their monthly bills by just taking the HST off of their monthly hydro bills."
Horwath noted that families are seeing their hydro bills skyrocket now that winter is fast approaching.
The McGuinty Government has rejected an NDP Motion to take the HST off of hydro.
At Queen's Park Tuesday, leader Andrea Horwath raised the concerns of two area residents.
"They just can't make ends meet anymore," she said. "They're just unable to have a positive outlook for the future because costs are just too high. And we're saying to the government there's an easy straight forward way of addressing this where people don't have to jump through hoops applying for tax credits and things. You can make some real impact on their monthly bills by just taking the HST off of their monthly hydro bills."
Horwath noted that families are seeing their hydro bills skyrocket now that winter is fast approaching.
Boosting Tourism in Northewestern Ontario
The Ministry of Tourism is currently reviewing eight projects that could boost tourism in Northwestern Ontario.
Paul Pepe, a member of the transition team for the new Northern Ontario Tourism Zone, said a variety of initiatives were received.
"Not just marketing, but things like product development and training," Pepe said. "The industry needs training, needs customer service training, needs web marketing training. So there will be dollars allocated to those sort of initiatives."
Other projects include a big-game hunting proposal, motorcycle tours and marketing strategies into Manitoba and the northern U.S.
Paul Pepe, a member of the transition team for the new Northern Ontario Tourism Zone, said a variety of initiatives were received.
"Not just marketing, but things like product development and training," Pepe said. "The industry needs training, needs customer service training, needs web marketing training. So there will be dollars allocated to those sort of initiatives."
Other projects include a big-game hunting proposal, motorcycle tours and marketing strategies into Manitoba and the northern U.S.
Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship Adopts new format
The Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship is adopting a new format for 2011.
It includes dividing the 120-teams on the final day into three fields based on total catches from the first two days. Weights are then wiped clean with winners determined in each field based on catches in the final day.
In a four-page release outlining the format, newly-elected president Gord Watson said it's based on angler input and gives all anglers an opportunity to earn money with more prizes awarded each day.
The championship is also capping the teams at 120.
Early Learning in the Rainy River District
The Rainy River District School board plans to accelerate implementation of the third year in the province's early learning program.
Education Director Heather Campbell said an additional class will be established at Robert Moore School in Fort Frances where earlier learning starts next year.
"We have to absord some of the costs for year two," she said, "But it's minimal overall impact to the board as far as far as the actual costs of it's full implementation in year two."
Campbell noted that the move also meets certain Ministry of Education requirements for the program.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
I.J.C. Gets Praise
A Task Force looking at water quality issues on the Lake of the Woods and Rainy Lake watersheds has wrapped up a round of public meetings.
The group is to report back to the International Joint Commission by next July.
Todd Sellars of the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation is impressed with its work so far.
"The public is concerned about the lake and the watershed and wants some concrete options to consider and comment on," says Sellars. "It sounds like the task force is planning to adjust its plans and get back with an interim options paper early in the new year."
The Task Force was set up based on suggestions from the Foundation and others.
Illegal Smokes Lawsuit
A class-action lawsuit has been launched in Federal Court against Ottawa for failing to collect taxes from illegal smoke shacks.
It's similar to another lawsuit on behalf of tobacco farmers that was filed last year in Ontario court against both the federal and provincial governments.
Court documents accuse Ottawa of ignoring ``flagrant violations''of the prohibition on the sale of contraband tobacco.
The $500-million suit also claims the government allowed the open trade of these products on First Nation reserves through illegal outlets established off reserve.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
Elections in Minnesota
Minnesotans go to the polls today as part of mid-term elections in the U.S.
Polls open at 7 a.m. for voting in various civic, school board and state races, including the selection of a new governor.
Democrat Mark Dayton is seen as the front runner ahead of Republican candidate Tom Emmer.
In Washington, polls suggest President Barack Obama's Democrats will lose control of the House of Representatives, and maybe the Senate.
The elections will also be a test of the popularity of the Tea Party, an ultra-conservative movement that favours less government and low taxes.
Remains Identified
A body found on Highway 17 near Ignace this summer by blueberry pickers has been identified.
The remains of 55-year-old Steven Raycroft were identified recently through the use of medical records.
Raycroft is described as a transient person who frequently travelled across Canada.
Police are ruling out foul play.
Ignace Clinic Rent Increasing
Health Minister Deb Matthews says she will find out why the agency responsible for public buildings is doubling the rent at Ignace's small health clinic.
Kenora-Rainy River M-P-P Howard Hampton calls the rent-hike of $100-thousand a year at the Mary Berglund Health Centre "absurd'' and would only force the clinic to cut front-line staff.
Ontario Realty Corporation officials said they were looking into the issue.
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