Local Rewards Program Out In New Year

A key component of the Go Local campaign is about to be launched.

Consultant Tannis Drysdale says a rewards program, similiar to Air Miles, is expected to rolled out in the new year.

Consumers will be able to earn points that can be translated into gift cards to be used at participating businesses.

Drysdale expect as many as 50 businesses to take part.

The first phase of Go Local program, which includes a marketing program for businesses, was launched in Fort Frances last month with expansion across the district planned later.

Town On Track With Strategic Plan

Fort Frances town council is happy with the progress its making on its strategic plan.

Council is now into the second year of document.

CAO Mark McCaig says at total of 45 initiatives were brought forward.

McCaig says the proposed condomium project and effort to establish a regional airport concept are two area that haven't moved as far along as they'd like

Social Worker Critical of Methadone Use

A social worker from Toronto says the overuse of Methadone is doing serious harm to First Nations people across Northwestern Ontario.

Bridget Perrier says the use of the drug, which is prescribed by doctors to help addicts kick drugs like oxycontin, is only causing a more serious problem because it's simply transfering one addiction for another.

Perrier also claims doctors are over prescribing the drug and no one is supervising patients.

Mauro Out With Endorsement

More candidates are expected, but Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro already knows who he wants to succeed Premier Dalton McGuinty.

Mauro believes Sandra Pupatello is best to take on the Liberal Leadership because of her leadership qualities and understanding of the north

Mauro also believes Pupatello has the best chance to win the next provincial election, some speculate will happen next spring.

Price Increases Expected

Canadians should expect to pay more at the pumps and to heat their homes this winter.

The National Energy Board warns demand is expected to outstrip supply for all of the energy sources leading to hire prices for users.

Military Training Exercise

There will be some unusual action in the skies today in parts of Canada and the U-S and maybe in our area.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command will be conducting some flight exercises in several locations include in Minnesota.

Fort Frances Vying For Hockeyville Title Again

A Fort Frances resident is taking another shot at getting the town declared Kraft Hockeyville.

Jonathan Glueheisen's nomination in last year's contest failed to reach the finals.

He says he's better prepared this time.

The contest, which includes arena improvements and a chance to host an NHL exhibition game, begins December 15

Coalition Claims Environmental Lakes Up For Sale

There appears to be a new threat to the Experimental Lakes area near Kenora.

A coalition tried to keep the internationally-renowned research site open says the federal government is now in talks to sell it to an unknown buyer.

Spokesperson Diane Orihel says it's leaving scientists guessing about future research projects.

Orihel says three motions brought forward by the opposition to keep the centre open were recently struck down in closed door meeting by the Conservatives.

Public Offering Changed

Rainy River Resources has revised the size of a public offering intended to raise capital for its gold project in the Rainy River district.

It had announced late Tuesday a deal with a syndicate of underwriters that would generate over $75-million dollars for development and exploration activities at its project north of Barwick.

A reducing in the share price will now lower that figure to just over $57.5 million.

Changes To Annual Physical

The annual physical may soon be scaled back in Ontario for most healthy adults under a new agreement with the province's doctors.

Not all patients will undergo the same tests when the evidence demonstrates it is not of value, but it is a patient's needs that will determine the type of care a physician will provide.

Fees paid to doctors for those tests on healthy adults is also being reduced because their visit will take less time on average.

New Patient Relations Measures At Ornge

Ornge -- the province's embattled air ambulance service -- is introducing new measures to better connect with its patients.

Interim president Ron McKerlie says if Ornge service does not meet a patient's expectations, they will have a way to express their concerns and to receive a response.

McKerlie says the improvements include a more accessible patient relations section on the Ornge website and a streamlined complaints process.

Town Prepares To ReZone Former School Property

The town of Fort Frances is moving to rezone the area where the former Huffman School now stands to permit a housing development.

The town wants to create 16 lots.

Town planner Faye Flatt says they already have as many as 15 people interested and are accepting more names.

She says it doesn't mean people will be obligated to buy, or the town to sell one to them but will help move the process along when the lots do come up for grabs next year.

 A public meeting on the rezoning will be held November 26.

Temporary Fence Stays

The community garden in Fort Frances will have a fence around it this winter.

Fort Frances town council gave its blessing to having a temporary fence remain in place until the end of next year when a lease on the property expires.

It will also be marked with reflective tape to be seen by snowmobilers who drive by.

The fence was set up this year to keep deer away.

Garden organizers had requested the fence become more permanent.

County Concern About Area Post Offices

Koochiching County is standing with the city of Ranier in opposing proposed changes to postal services in that city.

The U.S. Postal Service is looking to reduce in half hour of services at the city's post office.

Mayor Ed Oerichbauer says a postal official at a recent public meeting hinted the plan is already done deal.

Oerichbauer says the U.S. Postal Service is also looking at reducing the hours at several other post offices located throughout the county.

Rainy River Resources Exploring New Ore Deposit

Rainy River Resources is beginning to unlock the potential of a recently discovered ore deposit near its gold project north of Barwick.

The company has released new assay results for the area its calling the Intrepid Zone.

It was found just a kilometre from where an open pit mine is planned.

President Raymond Threlkeld says the new results suggests the zone may contribute high quality ounces early in a planned underground operation and perhaps develop into another open pit mine.

Exploration Project Changing Hands

An exploration project in its infancy stages in the Rainy River district is being sold off.

B.C. based Duncastle Gold has signed a letter of understanding to acquire Mineral Mountain Resources Pipestone project in a cash and shares deal.

It's located about 60 kilometres north of Fort Frances.

School Suspensions Down

The Rainy River District School board is seeing fewer students suspended from its schools.

There was a 20 per cent drop in suspensions last year compared with the year before.

Superintendent of Education Casey Slack says figure also show lower numbers over a four year period as students progress through high school.

Slack attributes the decreases to measures the board has taken in its schools to make them safer.

Thunder Bay Presents Its Case

A Thunder Bay delegation is pleased with its meeting with Energy Minister Chris Bentley.

The group was in Toronto yesterday to discuss the decision that halted conversion of Ontario Power Generation's coal-fired Thunder Bay plant to natural gas.

Mayor Keith Hobbs believes they made a pretty strong case to keep the plant open, but says the city is prepared to consider a purchase if it shutdown.

Volunteers Wanted

Volunteers are wanted to assist with some of the work of the locum home in Rainy River.

Officials are seeking people to help stain siding.

Call Archie Wiersema at 852-3363 if you can help out.

Contract Talks Begin With Ontario Workers

Ontario government civil servants are making their case across the province as the bargaining starts in Toronto to get them a new contract.

Union spokesperson Neil MacDonald says the protection of services in northwestern Ontario is part of their demands.

The workers are holding an information picket today in Thunder Bay.