Appeal Assessment Influencing Budget Talks

AbitibiBowater's appeal of its assessment of the Fort Frances mill is weighing heavily on town councillors as they begin budget discussions next week.

Treasure Laurie Witherspoon says a decision on the appeal won't be known for some time, but a reduction of any kind will have a significant impact.

A decision on the company's appeal could come later this year.

Preliminary figures show a current shortfall in the proposed operating budget for 2012 of about $300-thousand, but doesn't take into account the outcome of that appeal which is still before the Assessment Review Board.

Infiltration Report Expected Soon

A study exploring why Fort Frances treats more water than it produces is expected out soon.

Councillor Paul Ryan says the amount of water treated last year was staggering.

Over 887-thousand cubic metres more went through the town's treatment plant than was produced.

Ryan says the town is committed to acting on correcting the problem.

Town to Help with Snow Sculptures

The Rainy River Arts Collective will receive help from Fort Frances in its plans to create a number of snow sculptures around town.

Town council last night gave their blessing to have five of the sculptures created on town owned properties.

The town will also help move snow from the airport.

Work on the sculptures is expected in early February.

More Weather Records

Another weather record in Fort Frances yesterday.

The high of 4.6 C or 40 F eclipsed the old mark of 3.5 C set back in 1986 and tied in 2002.

Question of the Day - January 10

68 per cent of respondents to our on-line poll question feel the lack of the snow this year has not been a good thing for the Rainy River district.


Today question - do you thing the federal government has a role in combating childhood obesity.

Let us know on our Facebook page or website www.931TheBorder.ca.

Health Unit Says Check 'Em

It's "MANuary"!

The Northwestern Health Unit is trying raise awareness of testicular cancer.

Public Health Nurse Patty Foster says they were surprised at the lack of awareness among men in our communities.

Foster says a Facebook campaign and visits to high schools are planned to heighten awareness.

Snow Sculptures Okayed by Administration

Fort Frances town councillors could give their blessing tonight to allowing snow sculptures on some town own properties next month.

It's a project proposed by the Rainy River Arts Collective.

Administration is recommending sculptures on five locations.

It also supports collecting and moving snow to the sites for the group.

Fines Go Unpaid

The town of Fort Frances may have to write off more than $137-thousand in unpaid fines.

The fines date back to 2006 and are considered noncollectable after all means of collection have been exhausted.

A report on the fines comes to council at its meeting tonight.

RRSP Season

It's RRSP season and despite economic troubles, people are still pouring more into their funds.

Scotia McLeod's Blake Cameron says it's a great tool to save for retirement.

The deadline to make your contributions is the end of February.

Question of the Day - January 9

58 per cent of respondents to our on-line poll question indicated they do not plan to contribute to an RRSP this year.

Today's question, do think the lack of snow this year is a good or bad thing for the Rainy River district.

Cast your ballot at www.931TheBorder.ca.

Back to School

It's back to school for hundreds of students across the Rainy River district and their teachers following the two-week Christmas Break.

Education Director for the Rainy River District School Board Heather Campbell says there were plenty of accomplishments in the classroom in 2011.

Campbell is hoping to continue that work and a number of pilot projects in 2012.

"Let's Face It"

The Alzheimer's Society is out with a new program aimed at helping people become more aware of the warning signs of Alzheimer's.

Executive Director of the Kenora-Rainy River District branch Lynn Moffatt  the Let's Face It campaign promotes the benefits of early detection.

A Society study found close to 50 per cent of Canadians lived a year or more with symptoms before seeing a family doctor.

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.