Fire Season Nears an End

There is officially one month left in the forest fire season.

Ministry of Natural Resources Information Officer Debbie MacLean says it's been another slow season in northwestern Ontario.

"We have had 351 fires in the West Fire region," says MacLean, "and just over 9,000 hectares burned. We've had certainly more fire activity this year than we have had in the couple of previous year. We still have had a fairly quiet forest fire season."

The northwest has averaged about 626 fires over the past five years.

Falls School Board Bracing for Possible Cuts

The Superintendent of Independent School District 361 is bracing for the possibility of cuts in state funding.

Education has so far been spared by the Minnesota government, but Jeffrey Peura says the International Falls School board is being cautious with its spending.

"We don't know probably until next May what our funding formula will be leading into next school year," says Peura, "so we're going to be very cautious with revenue projections.

Peura says the board did see an increase in the number of elementary students attending classes this fall which helps with the amount of money they do get from the Minnesota government.

College Support

More assurances that Rainy River Community College won't be closing anytime soon

The College is among the smallest in Minnesota, but Interim Provost Ken Simberg told a group of International Falls business leaders the college plays a big role in the area.

"Rainy River needs to be here to serve the individuals who have college desire," says Simberg, "want to stay locally and go to school. Plus, I believe we service a very important part of being a community. We serve the workforce needs. We serve the training needs."

Simberg says they're working to build enrollment by adding new programs and promoting itself more to Ontario students.

Singer Promotes Native Teachings

A northwestern Ontario musician is using her music help promote native teachings and healthy lifestyles to young people.

Shy-Anne Horvorka is in Fort Frances as part of a aboriginal music tour.

"I think a lot of youth thing that in the music business you have to sing about drugs, alcohol and partying to be successful," says Horvorka. "We want to show them you can be successful without singing about that. You can have a positive swing to your message."

Tonight, she's holding a search for youth to participate in a mentorship program through music and art with auditions taking place at the Townsend Theater.