West Nile Cases Climbing

West Nile virus cases are starting to climb in Canada.

Ontario is reporting that as of earlier this week, 49 confirmed and probable human cases of the disease have been spotted.

There are no cases in northwestern Ontario

In the U-S, Minnesota is reporting 20 cases, none in Koochiching County.

Marathon Run Underway

A U.S. Army veteran is on the road in a marathon run from International Falls to Galveston, Texas.

51-year-old Mike Ehredt was given a military gun salute Thursday morning to start the run that will remember U.S. soldiers killed while on duty in Afghanistan.

Ehredt is placing a Flag with the name of a solder killed ever mile on his trek.

He made a similar run in 2010 to recognized soldiers killed while fighting in Iraq.

Diaper Drive Successful

A United Way campaign in International Falls has amassed a mountain of diapers.

More than 36-hundred diapers and 15-hundred baby wipes were collected in the drive over the past month.

They'll now be distributed to families in need by the Salvation Army and Falls Hunger Coalition.

Area Woman Received Diamond Jubilee Medal

A Rainy River area woman has been recognized for her leadership in the area's agricultural community.

Kim-Jo Bliss of Emo has been presented with a Queen Elizabeth ll Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Bliss was cited for his involvement in several initiatives such as the local 4-H Steer Club, crop research and mentoring area youth.

Area MPP Supports Legislated Teachers Deal

A northwestern Ontario MPP hopes public school teachers don't hate him for the McGuinty  government's plans to force a contract on them.

Thunder Bay-Atikokan's Bill Mauro defends passage of the bill and thinks teachers will remember what the Liberals have done for education in the province.

The legislature is being recalled next week for a vote on the teachers bill.

Child's Death Investigated

Dryden City Police are investigating the death of a one-month old baby boy.

Police were called Monday about the death of Christian Desgagne.

The circumstances leading to his death have not been revealed.

A post mortem exam is being conducted in Toronto today.

More Jail Staff Needed

Koochiching County may have to hire more staff for its jail.

The Minnesota Department of Corrections says its because the jail is averaging more than 5 inmates per day.

The county says that will be huge financial hit, but Diane Grinde, a department inspector, says it will improve safety and security.

The jail is now manned by two correctional officers during the day and one at night with another who also provides dispatch services.

Cellphone Tower In Koochiching County Approved

AT&T has been given approval by Koochiching County to erect a 199 foot cellphone tower along the shores of Rainy Lake.

Company consultant Shane Begley says a much larger tower near Rainy Lake Houseboats would have been preferred to improve service in the area east of International Falls.

The County says the tower could be expanded in the future.

Tower Near BWCA To Go

An  AT&T cellphone tower near the Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness has the go ahead.

The State's Supreme Court has denied a request to hear the case, allowing a June ruling by the Minnesota Court of Appeal to stand.

The Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness opposed the 450-foot tower, saying its lights would be visible within the protected area.

MNR Help Extinquish Fire In Minnesota

MNR file photo

Ministry of Natural Resources personnel were called upon to deal with a forest fire in Minnesota.

A waterbomber and a birddog aircraft were deployed from Dryden after a 2-hectare fire was spotted just south of Quetico Provincial Park on the U.S. side of the border.

Meantime, two small fires on Rainy Lake and Gargoyle Lake, north of Sapawe, are now listed as being out.

New Health Unit Office In Sioux Narrows

The Northwestern Health Unit is moving to new digs in Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls.

It's taking over the former Travel Information Centre building in Sioux Narrows.

It's existing offices will be closed the rest of this week to allow for the move.

Health Study Underway

The regional health authority wants your opinion on health care in the northwest.

Laura Kokocinski of the Local Health Integration Network says an on-line survey is being launched to get public feedback on its new three year plan.

A link to the survey can be found by clicking this here.

Campbell Not Supporting Teacher Legislation

The Liberals won't be getting the support from our MPP in legislating a contract for Ontario's teachers.

MPP's are being hailed back to Queen's Park Monday to deal with the unresolved teachers deals.

Kenora-Rainy River's Sarah Campbell says it's a wrong tact to take.

Campbell says she can't support the legislation and will vote against it when the time comes.

Hospital Status Questioned

The city of International Falls is hoping to learn more about the status of a new hospital in its city.

City council intends to invite officials with Rainy Lake Medical Centre to a future meeting.

Plans to replace the Falls hospital have been in place for several years, but there's been no indication as to when construction may begin.

Mayor Tim McBride says he's fielded a number of calls from residents concerned about the hospital's future.

Council Vacancy Filled

A vacant seat on International Falls Council has been filled.

Jerry Franzen has been appointed to serve as councillor at large until elections this November.

The vacancy came about by Tim McBride taking on the Mayor's position, left open by the resignation of Shawn Mason who became the city's economic and community development manager.

New Fires Reported

MNR file photo

Two new forest fires have popped up in the Rainy River district.

One is located on an island on Rainy Lake, east of Brule Narrows.

The other is burning on Gargoyle Lake, north of Sapawe.

Both are small in size and posing no issues.

Vintage Snowmobile Show

An event to bring together some of the oldest snowmachines in the Rainy River district is being organized for next month.

The first ever vintage snowmobile show and swap meet will take place at Pither's Point Park September 15..

Organizer Pat McPherson says his own interest led him to setting up the event.

Those wanting to take part are asked to call Pat at  274-8483.

Border Costs Expensive

The cost of increased security measures at the border and its impact on Canadians is coming in at a hefty penny.

A Fraser Institute study pegs it at $19-billion annually.

Co-author Alexander Moens tells CFOB-News it's hard to say if we're getting value for that money.

Moens says the newly signed Beyond the Border initiative has the opportunity to reduce costs, but a clear understanding of the costs and benefits is needed..

Fort Frances Council At AMO

Some members of Fort Frances council are in Toronto this week for the Association of Ontario Municipalities meeting.

Mayor Roy Avis, Councillors Andrew Hallikas and Paul Ryan and CAO Mark McCaig have made the trek.

McCaig says their attendance to the meetings and workshops will include five face-to-face meetings with provincial cabinet ministers.

The delegation has meetings with Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle to discuss changes to the provinces bearwise program; Linda Jeffrey, the Minister responsible for Seniors, regarding plans to get an assisted living facility; Energy Minister Chris Bentley over the possible merge of hydro utilities; Health Minister Deb Matthews about doctor recruitment and Environment Minister Jim Bradley and the high cost of recycling.

Managerial Bonuses Criticized

Critics say the governing Liberals have shot themselves in the foot by handing out bonuses to top civil servants while demanding a wage freeze from public sector workers.

Union leaders say the Liberals have undermined their position by allowing nearly 98 per cent of government managers to get bonuses last year.

They say there are tens of thousands of workers whose contracts are up this year and the bonuses will definitely come up in labour talks.

Conservative Leader Tim Hudak says it's hard to believe the Liberals are serious about wage restraint when so many people are getting performance pay.