Northwestern Ontario Economy Forecast

It could be a volatile year for the economy in Northwestern Ontario.

That's the prediction from Lakehead University Economics Professor Livio Di Matteo.

He says construction should continue to provide a boost to the economy, but forestry remains an area of concern.

Di Matteo notes the minority provincial government remains a wild card.

Question of the Day - January 6

64 per cent of respondents to a question on our website were not so optomistic about the economy.

Today's question for the weekend, with tax time is approaching, do you plan to contribute to an RRSP this year?

Tell us on Facebook or our website www.931The Border.ca.

Not All Public Services to be Touched

Premier Dalton McGuinty is hinting his government may not follow all the recommendations of economist Don Drummond to overhaul the province's public services.

Drummond suggests he'll be making some difficult and unpopular recommendations in a report later this month.

But McGuinty promises to protect health care and education.

Weather Records Set

Years old weather records fell with yesterday's unseasonably warm weather.

A high of 8.2 C or 46 F in both Fort Frances and International Falls smashed the previous records of 39 F and 36 F respectively set back in 1984.

Freeze Yer Gizzard Run Approaching

It's hard to say if you'll Freeze Yer Gizzard this year, but the annual race in International Falls with the same name goes later this month.

Falls Chamber manager Faye Whitbeck says they're already expecting a record turnout with over half of last year's participants already registered.

Registration can be made through the run's website or calling the Chamber office.

International Falls Mayor Looks Ahead

The Mayor of International Falls says 2011 was one of the history books.

Shawn Mason says the city's success was measured through several official openings.

Mason is hoping the momentum continues with the anticipation of the start of several projects in 2012.

It's a Girl!!

Courtesy Riverside Health Care

It took a while, but the first baby of the New Year has been born in the Rainy River district.

Elsie Faith Nighswander was born 12:19 p.m. yesterday at La Verendrye Hospital, weighing in at a healthy 7 lbs 6 ounces.

Her parents are David and Pauline of Barwick and she becomes a sister to 3-year-old Sylvia.

David,  himself, is a New Year's baby born in Emo 33 years ago.

Tuition Rebates Now Available

Ontario students can go online to apply for a rebate on their tuition fees.

The McGuinty government is making good on a campaign promise to take 30 per cent off the average cost of tuition.

No Store for Thunder Bay Yet

Minneapolis-based department store chain Target has announced where the first 24 of its stores will open in Canada.

All of them are in southern Ontario.

Target plans to open up to 135 stores in Canada beginning next year, including at least one in Thunder Bay.

Minnesota DFLers Seek Wolf Hunting Season

Two Minnesota Iron Range legislators are planning to introduce a bill that establishes new wolf hunting and trapping seasons in northern Minnesota.

The proposal from Democrats House Reps. Dave Dill and Tom Anzelc follows a recent federal delisting of the gray wolf in Minnesota from the endangered species list.

Anzelc says the number of wolves in the State is nearly twice the size a Department of Natural Resources management plan suggests and their bill will help get the situation in check.

More Trails Open

Two more snowmobile trails have been opened at Voyageurs National Park.

The Park says improved ice and snow conditions have allowed for the opening of the Purple Trail from International Falls to Kettle Falls and the Yellow Trail from Ash River to Kettle Falls.

Riders are still advised to use the trails with caution.

Provincial Liberals Look to Reorganize

Liberals in Kenora-Rainy River are looking to reorganize.

A provincial riding association meeting is planned for January 17th in Dryden.

Anthony Leek, who represented the party in last October's election, says it's important to have a strong local riding association in place.

Leek admits the association was not that active in the years leading up to last fall's election.

Osisko Faces "Mini-Tender" Offer

Osisko Mining has become the target of an unsolicited mini-tender offer.

The company, proposing an open-pit gold mine near Atikokan, says it neither recommends nor endorses the bid from TRC Capital.

TRC wants to acquire up to $5-million in Osisko shares at a discounted rate.

Mini-tender offers are designed to seek less than 5 per cent of a company's outstanding shares.

Hunter Fined

A northwestern Ontario woman has been fined $1,500 for hunting violations relating to an incident last fall in the Sioux Narrows area.

Trisha Brackett was charged in October after a Ministry of Natural Resources investigation revealed the resident of Marathon had fired from and across a road at a deer.

She later killed the animal, despite not having a proper tag.

Rainy River Man Charged

A man from Rainy River will appear in a Steinbach court room in February on a charge of trying to bring a prohibited weapon into Canada.

RCMP say the 66-year-old was initially detained December 20th by the Canada Border Services Agency at the Sprague, Manitoba, point of entry for failing to declare a gun.

The unnamed man also faces five other firearms related charges.

Cultural Plan Explored

A final draft of a new municipal cultural plan is now in the hands of Atikokan township councillors.

It makes 33 recommendations aimed at promoting and using the town's cultural assets as an economic development tool.

Mayor Dennis Brown says the township will be able to carry out some, but not all of the recommendations.

Council will hear more about the plan when it's author visits next Monday night.

Trail Development Still Planned

The city of International Falls is still hoping to proceed with a proposed trail system along its waterfront despite being denied State funding.

Applications for funding for trail development and upgrades to City Beach Park were both rejected.

City administrator Rod Otterness says the city will still explore doing a portion of the trail work with existing funds this year.

Question of the Day - January 5

83 per cent of respondents to our online poll questions support making the salaries and contracts of hospital executives public.

Today's question, how do you feel about the economy going into the 2012?

Tell us on Facebook or our new website 931The Border.ca.

Salvation Army Falls Short of Campaign Goal

The Salvation Army in Fort Frances fell a bit short in its Christmas Kettle Campaign.

The agency collected just over $15,000.

It was aiming for $18,000.

The agency uses the money to carry out programs to those in need.

Virtual Dementia Tour Planned

The Alzheimer's Society of Kenora-Rainy River is giving area residents an opportunity to experience what it may be like to live with the dementia.

Eleanor Barron, public education coordinator, says they're working with the Rainycrest Family Council in presenting a virtual dementia tour.

Participants will wear special equipment and attempt to carry out a variety of simple tasks.

To register for next Wednesday's event at the Super 8 in Fort Frances you're asked to contact Barron via e-mail eleanor@alzheimerkrr.com or the Society's office in Kenora 1-800-682-0245.