Border Concerns Still Linger

Camp owners across northwestern Ontario are calling for changes at the border in Fort Frances.

Concerns about how American hunters and anglers are treated by customs officers was a topic of discussion at yesterday's Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters Association Conference in Dryden.

Executive Director of the Sunset Country Travel Association Gerry Cariou insists policies and procedures are being carried out different at the Fort border.

"The hunters going to Quebec, northeastern Ontario, B.C. or Manitoba aren't getting refused or turned back in the numbers we're seeing in northwestern Ontario.

The Head of NOTO suggests camp owners advise their guests to lodge a formal complaint if they're treated poorly at the border.

Liberal Leaders in Northwestern Ontario

Northwestern Ontario is Liberal Leader's Michael Ignatieff's latest stop on his cross country tour.

Speaking in Thunder Bay yesterday, Ignatieff says its part of his strategy to get Liberal MP's elected in this area.

"I think it's really important for politicians to get out of Ottawa," says Ignatieff, "come here, affirm and reaffirm constantly that we think northern Ontario has an incredible future."

Today, he visits Sioux Lookout and Dryden.

Hampton Seeks Help for Remote First Nation

A northwestern Ontario MPP is calling on the Liberal Government to take action to help Fort Hope First First Nation.

Howard Hampton says the province needs to roll out programs for first nations facing prescription drug abuse.

The NDP is calling for an amendment to the Narcotics Safety and Awareness Act to address the prescription drug abuse epidemic.

Former Doc Returns to Fort Frances

A former Fort Frances physician returns to the community today to talk about Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Doctor Ted Jablonski, himself diagnosed with the form of winter depression, is travelling across the country to draw more awareness.

Jablonski says its more common and real than many believe.

"It's a very frequent problem in our country," says Dr. Jablonski. "We live in a northern latitude and northern latitude countries are the ones who get effected. About 3 per cent of our population has S.A.D. that probably should be treated. That's over one million Canadians.

Jablonski says the disorder can easily be treated with light therapy.

He'll speak more about S.A.D. at a public meeting at 2 p.m. at the La Place Rendezvous.

Parade of Lights Planned

(B93 Staff ready to collect your non-perishable food items at the 2009 Parade of Lights in Fort Frances)


Planning for the Christmas Parade of Lights in Fort Frances is underway.

For the second year in a row, it's being organized by the staff at Causeway Insurance.


Spokesperson Brenda Kellar says they want parade participants to get ready.



"We had a really good turnout with our first annual parade last year," says Kellar. "We we're very happy on how it went. We're just hoping to get a lot more people. We do have a theme this year. It is the 'Lights and Sounds of Christmas'."



Registration for the November 27 parade can be done by calling Brenda at Causeway or emailing brenda@causewayinsurance.com.

Leons Opens

Officials with one of Canada's oldest furniture companies says Fort Frances is a good fit for their business.

Leon's Fort Frances officially opens at 12 noon today.

Franchise manager Nelson Sampson says they have no problem having stores in smaller communities.

"It grounds us a company," says Sampson. "It makes us remember what our roots are and what really the customers Leons' has and the industry has who rooted in small communities like this."

Yesterday, local dignitaries gathered with local franchise holder Mark Howarth and staff for a private celebration.

Palliative Care Discussed with Feds

Two Lakehead University Researchers are speaking with the Federal Government about palliative care in northern Ontario.

Dr. Mary Lou Kelley says they're telling the feds how they can better help residents who want to die at home.

"It isn't mandatory from the federal government to fund community services," says Kelly. "We feel the federal government should make a chance in that respect and then they should establish a palliative end-of-life care strategy."

They're also hoping to see cultural training for those providing palliative care in first nations.

Tourism Group Work Continues

The work toward creating a new tourism marketing zone for northern Ontario continues.

Paul Pepe is part of a nineteen member transition team set up to a establish the new tourism organization.

"We've been putting together the terms of reference and the transition plan for the Ministry," says Pepe, "and working towards that legal incorporation of the organizations that can then go out and appoint its inaugural board of directors."

Pepe says the northern zone has been broken up into three sub-regions with $1.54 million allocated for northwestern Ontario.

Students Trick or Treating for Can Goods

Some teenagers in Fort Frances and Emo will be among the treat-or-treaters this Sunday.

Natalie Hyatt, who will be among them, says they won't be asking for candy.

"The students will be trick-or-treating for can goods and non-perishable food items instead of candy," says Hyatt. "They will then be given to Safeway and the number of food items we collect will be matched by both Campbell's and Shaw and donated to the local food bank."

Hyatt says the students are part of a new high school group called "Saving Faces" that aims to help a variety of charitable organizations.

I. Falls Thinking Christmas

The International Falls Chamber of Commerce is thinking about Christmas.

President Faye Whitbeck says they're putting out a call to groups and organizations on both sides of the border interested in taking part in this year's 'Twas the Lights before Christmas Parade.

"We're just hoping they can get it on their calenders, get it in their schedules, to get employees together to have a company float," says Whitbeck, "friends to gather together in somebody's garage to build a float, or families to plan those little costumes for the youngsters to walk in the parade."

The parade is November 26th.

Registration can be made by calling the chamber office.

Indian Culture Celebrated

India's Festival of Lights, Diwali, will be celebrated at St. John's Anglican Church in Fort Frances this weekend.

It is the Indian equivalent to Christmas and celebrated around the world.

Wayne McIntosh, one of the organizers, says the Church will host an authentic East Indian supper Saturday in recognition.

"We're going to be having at least twelve dishes," says McIntosh, "and they will all be authentic and made from scratch. There will be vegetarian and non-vegetarian."

Tickets for the supper can be purchased by calling Sarah Gervais at 274-5872.

Poppy Campaign Subject to HST

The annual Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Campaign is kicking off.

But Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty says part of the money Canadians give to purchase a poppy will be now used to offset the HST on the Legions sales.

Rafferty says its like taking money from veterans.

"When you put that money in the box or give money to Legions I think it's really quite unfair that Canadians will now know that 13 per cent of the money they're giving simply goes back to the Government," says Rafferty.

Legions use the poppies as a way to remember fallen soldiers and as a fundraiser for their local chapters.

New Digs for VALA

(Mayor Roy Avis joins with officials with the Valley Adult Learning Association in an official opening of their new Fort Frances office)

The Valley Adult Learning Association has some new surroundings.

Administrator Barb Duguay says the move of its Fort Frances office to 241 Second Street gives them more visibility.

"We have so much to offer here," says Duguay. "A lot of the programs and services we offer are free to the public. We're funding by the Ministry of Training, Universities and Colleges and they want local literacy programs to get out there. Be more visible. Promote their programs."

Duguay says an increased of space has also allowed for an upgrade of their computer lab and more residents to access programs.

Substance Abuse Prevention Team Continues

(Rainy River District Substance Abuse Team photo)

Local officials say its important the Rainy River District Substance Abuse Prevention Team be allowed to continue.

The group announced earlier this week funding from government that keeps the group operating until next March.

Coordinator Hugh Dennis says it continues their work of making residents, especially youth, aware of the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse.

"I think this district should be very proud of the effort that people in the Health Unit, the Substance Abuse Team and the school, we've put into this effort," says Dennis. "Collectively we're trying to make a difference and I think we are."

Some of the funds have been used to purchase new equipment to support the group's work.

New Border Protection Legislation

Ottawa has introduced legislation to make it easier for Canadian and U-S authorities to tackle smugglers and other criminals on shared waterways such as Rainy Lake and Lake of the Woods.

The legislation would allow specially designated Canadian and American personnel to work together aboard vessels, and continue to pursue and arrest suspects regardless of the international boundary line.

Storm Leaves Mess

A massive storm meteorologists say had a barometric reading like a hurricane is adding snow to the mix as it hangs around the U-S Midwest and central Canada.

The storm packed winds of up to 130 kilometres per hour stateside, and spawned a few tornadoes.

Snow is falling in the Dakotas and Minnesota, as well as southeastern Saskatchewan and western Manitoba.

Heavy rain and high winds also blew through much of Ontario yesterday, leading to fallen trees and power failures from Thunder Bay down to Toronto.

Tories Hopeful

Progressive Conservatives see hopeful signs for next year's Ontario election from Rob Ford's mayoral victory in Toronto Monday.

The small 'c' conservative cruised to victory over former deputy premier George Smitherman.

Opposition Leader Tim Hudak says people across Ontario are hungry for a change, a view echoed by NDP Leader Andrea Horwath.

Tourism Meeting in Dryden

Tourism officials and campowners are gathering today in Dryden for the Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters Association annual conference.

Today, they'll get an update on the new tourism zones and discuss the benefits of a Tourism License for Ontario.

Tomorrow the continuous issue of Americans with minor offences being denied access to Canada will highlight the talks.

Municipal Election Results

Two long-time municipal leaders retained their seats in last night's municipal elections across the Rainy River District.

Dennis Brown successfully defended his mayor's seat in Atikokan by taking 80 per cent of the vote to beat out Bob Davidson.

Jerry Duhamel, Bud Dickson, Bob Gosselin, Mary Makarenko, Marj Lambkin and Marlene Davidson were elected as councillors.


In Lake of the Woods township, Valerie Pizey outdistanced challenger Gerald Fisk to hold on to her mayor's seat.

Colleen Fadden, Glenn Anderson and Bill Lundgren were elected as councillors.

The fourth spot ended in a tie between incumbents Nancy Gate and JoAnn Moen which will force a recount.


Vince Sheppard is the new Mayor of Emo, defeating incumbent Ed Carlson.

Gary Judson was the only Emo councillor to be re-elected and joins newcomers Anthony Leek, Robert Simmons and Vernon Thompson.


Ross Donaldson beat out Ken McKinnon to be elected the new Reeve in LaVallee township.

He'll be joined at the council table by Dennis Allen, Jim Belluz, Freeda Carmody and Darcy Robson.


Brenda Jodoin, Aime Desaulniers, Bennett Drennan and Archie Wiersema were elected as councillors in Dawson township.

Mayor Eltjo Weirsema was acclaimed.

In Rainy River, Larry Armstrong, Ashley Stamler, Brent Anderson and Gord Armstrong were elected councillors and join Mayor Deb Ewald, who was acclaimed, at the council table.

And Rick Neilson was winner of the councillor race in Ward 4 in Chapple township's only election.

He returns to the council table along with Ken Wilson, Rilla Race, James Gibson and Reeve Peter Van Heyst who were all acclaimed.

Morley Reeve Not Yet Decided

Residents in Morley will have to wait until December before they know who will be reeve of that community.

Clerk-Treasurer Anna Boiley says because no one filed nomination papers for the position, it will be left up to the new council to determine how the vacancy is filled.

One option is an appointment among the four councillors who were acclaimed.

New Mayors in Northwestern Ontario

There are many new faces in the mayor's chairs elsewhere in northwestern Ontario.

Keith Hobbs won the top council seat in Thunder Bay.

Dryden Mayor Anne Krassilowsky lost her seat to Craig Nuttal.

Dave Canfield is back as mayor in Kenora after losing four years ago.

And Dennis Leney is the new mayor of Sioux Lookout.

The changes in Thunder Bay, Dryden and Kenora likely mean major shifts to the board of directors for the Northern Ontario Municipal Association where Krassilowsky is President.

School Board Elections

There are a couple of new faces on the Rainy River District School Board.

David Kircher out-polled both incumbents Dan Belluz and Terry Higgins to capture one of two seats in the Fort Frances area.

Belluz, who is currently chair, finished second in voting.

Ralph Hill beat out incumbent Glenda Belluz for the position representing the Alberton and LaVallee areas.

Dianne McCormack won the seat representing the Rainy River and area.

Margaret Heyens in Emo and Mike Lewis in Atikokan were acclaimed.

Chair Anne Marie Fitzgerald and incumbent Harold Huntley were returned to the Northwest District Catholic School Board as trustees for the Fort Frances area.

Teresa Larson will sit as trustee for Atikokan.

Results for the seat representing the west part of the Rainy River district were not received.

Delays Stalling Local Projects

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton is pushing the provincial government to help keep seniors in the their own community.

Hampton says requests for funding for supportive housing projects in the Rainy River district are being held up by the Northwest Local Health Integration Network.

"In Fort Frances, where the waiting list is equally long, they’re interested in supportive housing," says Hampton, "but they have put proposal after proposal after proposal to the North West LHIN without much of a response."

Hampton says the Rainy River District Social Services Administrative Board is also waiting for funds for a project in Rainy River.

Riverview Manor Open House

An open house will be held the renovated Riverview Manor in Rainy River today.

Executive Director of the Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board Donna Dittaro says residents will get a glimpse of the more than 430-thousand dollars worth of work done to the 14-unit complex.

"What resulted in two modified two-bedroom units and two modified one-bedroom units," says Dittaro. "The one-bedroom units will accommodate wheelchairs. The two-bedroom units accommodate people with walkers or prosthetics."

The open house goes from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. this afternoon.

Municipal Election Day Today

It's voting day in municipal elections across Ontario

Polling stations in communities using ballot boxes open from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Voters in Fort Frances and Lake of the Woods township have until 8 p.m. to get their vote-by-mail ballots back to their respective municipal offices.

To vote, residents must be 18 and older and will need identification that shows name, a signature and qualifying address.

At some polls, voters who come without acceptable ID but are on the voters list can sign a declaration.

B-93 will have a list of all of the winning candidates in the Rainy River district on our newscast tomorrow morning.

Watershed Task Force Meets

A task force set up to help governments address water quality and related issues in the Lake of the Woods and Rainy River watersheds will hold a series of public meetings this week.

The International Lake of the Woods and Rainy River Watershed Task Force is in Ely tonight and International Falls tomorrow to gather public comment.

The Task Force is to submit its recommendations to the International Joint Commission by July 15.

Forest Fire Season Not Over Yet

(Prescribed Burn conducted by Ministry of Natural Resources last week - MNR photo)

The forest fire season isn't done just quite yet.

The Ministry of Natural Resources says there were two new fires reported last week in the Rainy River district, both small and lightning-caused near Flanders.

The fires were spotted while the MNR was doing a prescribed burn at Pekagoning Lake.

One at Big Joe Lake, north of Flanders, is still listed as being active, as does another another within Quetico Provincial Park which has been burning since October 6.

MNR crews from both Kenora and Fort Frances also responded to a lightning-caused fire on the Aulneau Peninsula on Lake of the Woods which burned 4.5 hectares.

New Director for Riverside

(Riverside Health Care Facilities photo)

Riverside Health Care Facilities has a new Communication Director and director for its Foundation.

Nicke Baird takes over the position from Teresa Hazel who stepped down after eleven years.

Baird is from Fort Frances and recently returned from Nanaimo, British Columbia, where she operated a business for the past five years.

Caribou Caravan Reaches Northwest

(Greenpeace Canada photo)

Greenpeace brings its "caribou caravan" to northwestern Ontario today.

The environmental group is pressuring Minister of Northern Development Michael Gravelle and the Ontario Government to save woodland caribou.

Spokesperson Richard Brooks says the government can balance both the environment and forest industry.

Greenpeace plans to set up its caravan in front of Gravelle's constituency office in Thunder Bay.

Highway Work Ending

(Ontario Ministry of Transportation photo)

Thirty two highway projects in the region are nearing completion.

Nearly 500 kilometers of highway are being repaved and nine bridges are also being worked on.

They include 21 kilometres of Highway 11 east of Fort Frances and the fabricating of pre-cast concrete deck components for the Noden Causeway.

Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says the improvements will lead to safer roads and encourage economic growth.

Bass Tournament Gets Help

The Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship is a go for 2011.

Tournament organizers confirmed plans for next year after finding a new chair and filling a number of vacancies on the board during a meeting last night.

Outgoing chair Tom Fry says it's a huge relief for him.

"More relieved that it looks like things will go ahead," says Fry, "than I am about not having the position as chair anymore. Certainly, I fell good about that. I just didn't feel with my new personal commitments of heading south and so on that I could handle the job the way I've done in the past."

Fry says he will continue to stay on the board to assist new chair Gord Watson.

Ambulance Funding Discussed

Ambulance services across the province may get more direction today as to how they can save for new ambulances.

They're meeting with Ministry of Health staff to discuss new rules that limit the amount of money agencies can set aside each year.

Smaller services, such as the Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board, say it could take longer to replace aging vehicles as a result.

Flu shot Clinic Open

The Northwestern Health Unit is putting out a call for residents to get their flu shot this fall.

It began its flu shot clinics this week.

Director of Infectious Diseases Donna Stanley says H-1-N-1 is still cause for concern, but unlike last year, the health unit won't be administering a different shot to help combat that flu strain.

"Last year when we had H1N1, it represented a major change and a new strain," says Stanley. "That strain has now become the seasonal circulating strain. This year's vaccine, there's always three components to it and this year one of the components is H1N1.

Stanley says priorities groups this year includes those with a chronic disease, seniors and young children under five.

Pink Out Day

(Students at Crossroads School in Devlin at a previous Pink Day)

The Rainy River District Breast Health Network wants to paint the district Pink today.

Chair Teresa Hazel says they're proclaiming the day Pink Out day to raise awareness of Breast Cancer Health.

"we're encouraging individuals, organizations, employees, students, teachers, men, women and children to wear pink to show their support of breast cancer awareness," says Hazel.

Hazel says they'll also hoping to raise a few dollars for a new digital mammography unit and will be traveling around the area awarding prizes to those in pink.

Q-Gold Resumes Drilling

Q-Gold Resources has resumed drilling operations near Mine Centre.

The company is working in the McKenzie Gray area believed to be contain high quantities of gold and silver mineralization

Q-Gold began drilling the area last year.

Chamber Directors Needed

The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce is looking for individuals to sit on its board of directors.

Chamber Manager Anthony Mason says as many as two spots will be open in the coming year.

Elections to the board will take place November 24.

Update on Rainy River Resources Project

(Rainy River Resources photo)

Rainy River Resources has released the latest results of its drilling program at its exploration project north of Barwick.

The company says it continues to be pleased with the findings.

President Ray Threlkeld says all of the information collected is vital in determining the project's future.

"We'll use that resource information to define within some level of accuracy what the capital costs might be," says Threlkeld, "what the configuration of a mining scenario might be, whether it be open pit or underground.

The company plans to continue drilling until the middle of November with underground exploration planned for early next year.

Old Gold Mine Explored

(Shotgun Exploration photo)

A former gold mine in the Rainy River district may be getting some new life.

Mineral Mountain Resources says its started preliminary exploration of the Straw Lake Beach Gold Mine, located about 50 kilometres north of Fort Frances.

The work comes as the Vancouver-based mining company received regulatory approval to earn 75-per cent of the property now owned by Shotgun Exploration, a private company from Atikokan.

The mine operated briefly during the 1930's before closing in 1941 due to a lack of adequate power and start of World War 2.

Bass Tournament Meeting Tonight

The fate of the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship could be on the line tonight.

Tournament organizers are holding an information meeting at the Memorial Sports Centre to help fill vacancies on their board, including the position of chair.

Officials have said unless someone takes over that role, the tournament won't continue.

The meeting begins at the Sportplex Board room at 6:30 p.m.

AbitibiBowater Reorganization Plan in Court

AbitibiBowater's quest to restructure is winding down, with a U.S. Bankruptcy Court set to hear oral arguments on the newsprint giant's reorganization plan on November 5.

The hearing will take place about six weeks after opponents began to mount an effort in court to challenge the plan of reorganization.

Among the concerns is a six-million dollar bonus plan for company executives.

Chili Cook-Off Helps Food Banks

Area food banks were the big winners at the yesterday's Great Canadian Chili Cook-off put on by the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce.

Residents who taste tested the various chili recipes brought several pounds of food while Link-Line donated $5,000 to local food banks.

Chamber president Cathy Emes says those contributions are important.

"There's members of our community that are less fortunate than those of us that have time to do these kind of community projects," says Emes, "and we want to show the people of Fort Frances that the Chamber and many of our corporate sponsors have them in our heart."

CIBC was voted by the public as having the best chili while the Fort Frances Public Library was the judge's choice.

Hampton Running Again

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton is confirming his intentions to run again in the next provincial election.

That election is still a year away, but Hampton says he's already started his campaign.

Hampton has been the area's MPP since 1987.

Rainy River Cereal Introduced to Toronto area

Residents of southern Ontario will soon get a taste of Rainy River Cereal.

The unique wild rice cereal, being made by the company at Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation, will be on display at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto.

President Drew Atwell says it's an important fair to be at.

"We're going to meet distributors," says Atwell. "We're going to meet potential partners. We're going to meet industry experts. We're going to get a lot of good feedback on our product which has been excellent so far."

Atwell says success at the fair will help determine how quickly they can get product out to a wider market.

The company is also in the process of entering into a partnership with Shoal Lake Wild Rice out of Kenora that would give it a long-term supply of wild rice.

Ambassador for Safety Awards

A municipal councillor and an area organization have been recognized for their contributions to improving safety in the Rainy River district.

Freeda Carmody, a councillor from LaVallee township, was honoured with an Ambassador for Safety award by Safe Communities Canada for her work to maintain to district-wide municipal support for Safe Communities Rainy River.

"If we don't continue participating and everyone do their part, we won't be able to continue with the safety in our district," says Carmody. "That's very, very important that we have the funding."

The Rainy River District Substance Abuse Prevention team has also been rewarded for its work by Safe Communities Canada.

Coordinator Hugh Dennis says it recognizes a recent photo-voice project.

"We're using the videos produced by the teenagers to show the younger students in elementary school," says Dennis, "so that the younger kids that the older youth have made decisions that are wise and avoided the trap of substance abuse."

Fort Frances Man Honoured

A Fort Frances man has been honoured by the provincial government.

Anthony Kadikoff received an Ontario Senior Achievement Award during a ceremony last week at Queen's Park for his work to improve the lives of the area's cancer patients.

"It's in recognition of the work I've done in the complete district since the start and promotion of Tamarack House funding," says Kadikoff, "which I was one of the leading fundraisers for. A home away from home for people with cancer when they go to Thunder Bay, they stay for free."

Kadikoff also serves as a board member with the Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre Foundation.

No Expansion of Smoking Ban

The Ontario government is snuffing out a recommendation to let landlords ban smoking in rental apartments.

The Tobacco Strategy Advisory Group wants Ontario to outlaw smoking in multi-residential rental units, on all restaurant patios and in all parks and playgrounds.

But Health Promotion Minister Margarett Best says they have already banned smoking in many public areas and do not want to make the law even tougher.

Chili Cook-Off Today

About twelve teams will be putting their best chili recipes to the test at today's Great Canadian Chili Cook-off put on by the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce.

The public is invited to attend the event that begins at 11:30 a.m at the Legion in Fort Frances to vote your favourite.

The event will also be used to collect food items as part of a Shaw Communication and Cambell's Canada campaign.

Border Incident Reported

A Rochester, Minnesota man faces charges following a bizarre incident that occurred at both area border crossings and ended with the man running naked across the bridge to Baudette.

A spokesperson with the Canada Border Services Agency says it happened last Wednesday when the 20-year-old man was about to enter the United States, first at International Falls and then later at Baudette, only to turn around and drive through Canada customs at both Fort Frances and Rainy River.

Officials say the man was arrested only after he returned to Rainy River custom office to ask for directions.

While in custody, the man reportedly removed his clothes and escaped through a window, running across the bridge to Baudette before U.S. authorities arrested him again.

The man was charged with assault and indecent exposure by Baudette city police, but no charges have yet been laid by Canadian authorities.

211 Service Now Available

(Marie Klassen, executive director of 211 North, speaking a launch of service in the Rainy River District)

211 service is now available in the Rainy River district.

It's a phone helpline that residents can call to access information on a variety of services and programs.

Trudy McCormick of the Northwest Community Legal Clinic says callers connect to a live person.

"During office hours during the daytime you'll get someone in Thunder Bay at the information and referral centre there," says McCormick. "After hours the number still works but it's forwarded to a call centre in Toronto because there isn't the need in the north yet to justify the funding for a 24-hour service."

More than 56,000 thousand agencies' data bases are connected to 211 with about 260 of them from the Rainy River district

Native Education Promoted

Teachers across the Rainy River district gathered at Fort Frances High School yesterday to learn more about the importance of using aboriginal languages in the classroom.

Anton Treuer, a professor at Bemidji University, says the ability to learn in their own language reduces the drop-out rate among native students.

"It goes to show that when kids learn their language and their culture, when they learn about themselves, that translates into positive self-esteem and academic excellence across the curriculum," says Treuer.

Treuer says it can also help bridge the gap between communities and races.

Emo Mayoral Candidates

This week, CFOB is looking at the mayoral races across the Rainy River district, and today we turn out attention to Emo.

Incumbent Ed Carlson says the need for expanded water and sewer treatment facilities is among a top priority.

"We're expecting definite growth in Emo," says Carlson, "hoping with Rainy River Resources. Even without that we still have to expand the water treatment in providing capacity and increase pressure and another cell in the lagoon as well."

Vince Sheppard is campaigning on a need for more openness at the council table.

"What I would like is to have the Ontario Ombudsman back as our investigator," says Sheppard. "We have our official plan that has to be reopened. It's been in place for fourteen years. It's supposed to redone every five years."

Carlson is seeking his second term as mayor while Sheppard is a newcomer to municipal politics.

Glow Sticks Made Available

(Grace Silander (l) of Safe Communities Rainy River and OPP Const. Anne McCoy prepare to distribute glow sticks to area schools)

Hundred of glow sticks are being made available to school children across the Rainy River district this week.

Grace Silander of Safe Communities Rainy River says it's a project spearheaded by the Family and Children Services Rainy River.

"There will be enough glow sticks for all of the students in the district," says Silander, "so that when they go out with their Halloween costumes on the glow stick will light up their costume so that people can see them and the drivers will be able to identify them."

The glow sticks will be distributed through schools, nurseries and day care centres as well as FACS offices.

Senior Achievement Award Given

An Atikokan resident is back home after received a Senior Achievement Award from the province in a ceremony last week in Toronto.

Vik Prokopchuk says he was honoured just being nominated by his community for such an award.

"Being nominated by my fellow citizens, really that's the highest honour I think can anyone can get," says Prokopchuk, "because the people know you know what you've done or didn't do."

Prokopchuk was recognized for his business and management experience that's benefited both Atikokan and northwestern Ontario.

Contact North Use Increases

Interest in distance education continues to grow in northern Ontario.

Contact North says over 23,000 people are using the network's services to access a variety of college and university courses in their own communities.

Vice-president of regional services Debby Sefton says that's a 50 per cent increase over last year.

"We're excited about the increase," says Sefton, "and we seems to have continual increases. I think a lot of it is attributed to the types of programs that are being offered by our educational partners."

The Fort Frances site has 268 registrants while Atikokan has over one hundred this year.

McGuinty in Attack Mode

Dalton McGuinty is moving into attack mode in the run up to next year's provincial election.

McGuinty told Liberals gathered in Toronto on the weekend that he'll be reminding voters about the legacy of Ontario's last Progressive Conservative government.

McGuinty said that legacy is one of closed hospitals, school strikes and fired water inspectors.

Atikokan Mayoral Candidates

This week B-93 is looking at the mayoral races in communities across the Rainy River district, beginning with Atikokan where two candidates seeking the top council seat.

Incumbent Dennis Brown, who's held the seat for the past 13 years says continuing to build Atikokan's economy remains key.

"We need jobs and we need to have the tax base," say Brown. "We're certainly emphasising working with initiatives that are already present and helping to move them forward in the days ahead."

Bob Davidson is challenging for the position and is putting a need to improve live for seniors high on his agenda.

"Seniors in Atikokan need the very best care we can provide for them," says Davidson. "If I'm elected, I'll be working pretty aggressively on things that make live a little better for them in Atikokan."

Davidson is a former two-term Reeve of the community.

Hallowe'en Costume Exchange Planned

A new Halloween costume exchange is being set up in the Rainy River district.

Organizer Sherri Putzer says the exchange allows parents to trade in old children's costumes for a different one.

"Those who can, they donate a costume," says Putzer, "and they receive a coupon to use at the costume exchange."

Used and slightly worn costumes can be dropped off at Best Start Hubs in Couchiching, Fort Frances, Rainy River, Stratton and Emo where the coupons for this Friday's and Saturday exchange at J.W. Walker School in Fort Frances will be issued.

Huffman School Sold

The town of Fort Frances is in the process of purchasing the former F.H. Huffman School.

It's paying about $155-thousand for the school which has been vacant since June.

C.A.O. Mark McCaig says the town sees a lot of strategic possibilities for the property, including the potential of new building lots, but no firm decisions have yet been made.

The deal is expected to close by the end of November.

Town Looks at Group Volunteer Recognition

(J.W. Walkers students in recent Great Canadian Shoreline Clean Up)

A Fort Frances councillor's request to recognize J.W. Walker School for its contributions to the community has lead to some debate on how the town honours volunteer groups and organizations.

Ken Perry says the school can't be nominated for the town's Citizen of the Year Award, but is deserving of some kind of recognition.

"The Citizen of the Year is still Citizen of the Year," says Perry. "I'm not trying to change that, but I think the school is a good citizen in the town of Fort Frances, but it is a group."

A council committee will look at how to honour the school, but councillor Andrew Hallikas says he'd like to see some kind of mechanism that gives other groups a chance to be recognized in the future.