0 évaluation0% ont trouvé ce document utile (0 vote)
20 vues2 pages
The Border Skating Club's 39th-annual ice show on the weekend marked the final time two senior members took to the ice to dazzle the audience. Standing room only at last night's meeting as members of the public came out to show support for trustee David Kircher.
The Border Skating Club's 39th-annual ice show on the weekend marked the final time two senior members took to the ice to dazzle the audience. Standing room only at last night's meeting as members of the public came out to show support for trustee David Kircher.
Droits d'auteur :
Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Formats disponibles
Téléchargez comme PDF, TXT ou lisez en ligne sur Scribd
The Border Skating Club's 39th-annual ice show on the weekend marked the final time two senior members took to the ice to dazzle the audience. Standing room only at last night's meeting as members of the public came out to show support for trustee David Kircher.
Droits d'auteur :
Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Formats disponibles
Téléchargez comme PDF, TXT ou lisez en ligne sur Scribd
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2011 $1.19 plus 6 HST, $1.25 U.S.
Printed in Canada Volume 117 Number 49
INSIDE The NCDS Transition Cen- tre, which opened last April at 242 Scott St., closed its doors Thursday after the province did not renew funding for the one-year pilot project. The Workforce Literacy and Essential Skills program here was one of 33 in Ontario launched last year. Funding dries up for pilot project Grand Rapids will host some of the top young wrestlers in Minnesota as the annual state championship is held there this Saturday. However, there will be a Canadian flavor to the tour- nament again this year as a handful of wrestlers will be taking on their American counterparts. Wrestlers heading to state tourney The Border Skating Clubs 39th-annual ice show on the weekend marked the final time two senior members took to the ice to dazzle the audi- ence. Michael Nelson and Sarah DeGagne took part in their last ice show before departing the club at months end. Nelson, DeGagne take final bows See story on B5 See story on A3 See story on B1 189 HWY 11-71, Fort Frances 274-4444 Cabin Fever Sale Unbelievable Deals on our Cabin Furniture Collection! Make Us An Offer! No Reasonable Offer Refused! tu e Co ect o Just in time for Cabin Season! 290 Scott St. Fort Frances 274-6671 No More Excuses - You Belong On Our Network! Upgrade early and TBaytel will waive the last 12 months of your mobility term. with the power of Get a new Blackberry Pearl for 0 dollars * (*based on a 3 year term) Sign up for a new 2 or 3 year commitment and receive 2 months FREE New customers receive up to a $150 competitive contract credit. Standing room only crowd backs Kircher By Peggy Revell Staff writer Outrage over the actions of the former Rainy River District School Board made for standing room only at last nights meeting as members of the public came out to show support for trustee David Kircher, who had been found to have breached the trustee Code of Conduct. More than 60 people packed the boardroom, and spilled out into the hallway, to hear the new boards decision on punishment for the breach, which occurred when Kircher admitted to sharing details with members of the public about the outgoing boards move during the in-camera session of its final meeting in November to amend the contracts of both the director of education and superintendent of business so any severance pay would total four years worth of salary and benefits, not one. Kircher has maintained that details concerning the contract amendments were open and avail- able to the public given the new board had publicly noted the con- tracts had been amended at its January meeting. As well, contract information such as this is covered under the Freedom of Information Act. But in a 4-2 vote at last months meeting, the board found a breach had occurred. And since no trustee wished to change their original vote, this decision was confirmed at last nights meeting. As a result, another resolution was passed to censure Kircher for this breach, with board chairman Mike Lewis to write a letter to that effect. This is basically a letter of rep- rimand, Lewis explained following the meeting, noting it will indicate that according to the vote, Kircher broke the confidentiality part of the Code of Conduct. Its the least of all the conse- quences, he said, with the most significant ones being along the lines of removing Kircher from committees, for example. But that wouldnt serve any- ones purpose, Lewis reasoned. Well move on from here, and well be as open and transparent as we possibly can. Its a new board and thats the dedication that people want to put into itto have that transparency, he stressed. Kircher said afterwards that he saw the results as fair, although he still doesnt regret his actions. After tonights meeting, its indi- cated to all trustees that theres no one above any school board policy. Everybody must adhere, said for- mer board chair Dan Belluz, who originally reported these contract amendment details had been made public But this was not a sentiment shared by the crowd that came out to the meeting to show support for Kircher, including local ratepayer Walter Horban, who made a public presentation to trustees last night. Horban asked for answers con- cerning the missing funds at Fort Frances High School several years ago, the amended severance pack- ages for senior administration, and board transparency. I think, as taxpayers, we are owed that. Wed like to see where our money goes, said Horban, By Duane Hicks Staff writer Some may call it a miracle. Local resident Samantha Sam Pearson, 24, is making a remark- able recovery at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute after she experienced heart failure two weeks ago, and could be coming back to Fort Frances in the next couple of days. She is quite a phenomenon around here, said Pearsons mother, Ellen Gagne, who called the Times yesterday from Ot- tawa. Actually, right now as we speak, we have her out on a day pass. She may be heading home as early as this Thursday, Gagne added, noting doctors currently are fine-tuning the heart medica- tions Pearson is on. We couldnt be happier, en- thused Gagne, saying that with the exception of herself and her husband, Peter Gagne, Pearsons family has left Ottawa in anticipa- tion of her coming home soon. Were all hoping to head home Thursday or Friday, said Gagne, noting the goal is to be at her fathers place at Reef Point on Sunday, sitting round a fire and looking at the lake. Gagne said her daughter will have to return to Ottawa in three months. In the meantime, she will be followed clinically over the phone or through her doctor here, Dr. Robert Nugent. Gagne gave heartfelt thanks to Dr. Nugent. That man got her to the right place at the right time. He never gave up, he never stopped, she stressed. I am so thankful for him; we all are. As reported in Fridays Daily Bulletin, Pearson had been taking the immunosuppressant predni- sone due to a severe allergic reaction to a drug given to her for rheumatoid arthritis. She was being weened off the drug, had another reaction, had her dosage increase, and was Staff With news last week that the Town of Fort Frances is reducing the number of full-time firefighters from eight to six, Fort Frances Pro- fessional Fire Fighters Local 1012 is expressing concern for both the reduction of staff and comments made to residents with regards to level of service. Many residents may not be aware that the corporation has been reducing the amount of full- time firefighters within the com- munity for over 10 years, the union said in a media release sent to the Times. As a result of their actions, we have gone from a department con- sisting of a fire chief, deputy chief, and 10 full-time staff to a depart- ment now comprised of a fire chief and seven full-time staffwith the indication that this number is soon to be six through a possible layoff. Many of these reductions have come after negotiated contracts and our recent arbitration award, the release noted. Although verbally supporting staffing levels in the past, councils actions have proven otherwise, the union charged. Will the towns commitment to a staffing level of six be further reduced to five, four, or three, if or when the opportunity presents itself? Your taxes are paying for a full-time fire service with the ex- pectation that, when needed, we will provide an acceptable level of service, the union continued. The taxpayers can only hope that this time the mayor and coun- cils commitment to maintain six firefighters and staff the fire hall with 24-hour coverage is cred- ible. The Fort Frances Professional Fire Fighters want to reassure resi- dents that although they remain dedicated to the community and serving its residents, a further reduction of two full-time firefight- ers will provide us with additional challenges that may have an im- pact on our ability to serve you. Any way you look at it, a loss of staff at any level equates to a re- duction in responding trained pro- fessionals, the release concluded. As reported last week, council also opted to strike a new five-year contract with the OPP, which will see the reduction of 1.95 full-time equivalent staff, bringing the com- plement of constables here from 18 to 16. It should be noted policing costs are paid for through multiple sources, including municipal taxes, cost-recovery (i.e., fines and Staffing cutback concerns firemen Local Confederation College campus director Anne Renaud maneuvered dirt with a virtual excavator while demonstrat- ing one of the two simulators the college has acquired for its heavy equipment operator program. With foot pedals and controls hooked up to a computer and large screen, the new equipment allows students to practise different scenarios with different equipment while tracking information on how well they perform these tasks. Peggy Revell photo Virtual training By Duane Hicks Staff writer Theres good news for boaters who have had trouble getting un- der the Canadian National Railway lift bridge at Ranierthe bridge will be manned 24 hours a day from May 1-Oct. 15. A U.S. Coast Guard regulation re- ceived federal approval last week, which will ensure that CN man the bridge, which currently is operated remotely, during that period. From Oct. 16-April 30 each year, the bridge would open for vessels if 12 hours advance notice is pro- vided. Additionally, the regulation re- quires the bridge owner to post and maintain a clearance gauge to indicate to vessels the water levels and available clearance while the bridge is in the closed-to-navigation position. Currently, there is no regulation for this lift bridge or waterway. It is required to open on signal at all times in accordance with the gen- eral opening requirements. The lift bridge was remotely- operated for several years with- out explicit approval by the Coast Guard. CNR had requested approval to continue using remote operation equipment and operate the lift bridge with remotely-located draw- tenders. But in the last year, the Coast Guard was informed the draw- bridge is routinely unresponsive to signals and communications from vessels for bridge openings, it noted in a report. In addition, the presence of gov- ernment and public vessels operat- ing between Rainy River and Rainy Lake has magnified the need for the drawbridge to be responsive and reliable for all vessel traffic, it continued. Back on Dec. 27, the Coast Guard published a notice of pro- posed rule-making (NPRM), enti- tled Drawbridge Operation Regu- lation; Rainy River, Ranier, Mn., in the Federal Register (75 FR 32381). At that time, it received seven positive comments and one Manning Ranier bridge good news for boaters Please see Standing, A6 Please see Staffing, A7 Woman making amazing recovery Please see Woman, A6 Please see Bridge, A6 A6 FORT FRANCES TIMES Wednesday, April 6, 2011 More from A1 being weened off it a second time when she had heart failure on March 21. She went to the intensive care unit at La Verendrye Hospital, was flown to Thunder Bay, and then flown to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. In the first few days, doctors didnt know if Pearson would make it or not and were looking to give her a heart transplant. She then began to make a re- markable recovery, improving each day through the use of heart medications. Gagne said doctors have theo- rized that her daughter caught viral myocarditisan inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium), which resembles a heart attack but where the coronary arteries are not blocked. We still dont know what caused it in the first place, and I dont know if well ever know, she ad- mitted. But all we know is shes coming back [home] and shes just doing great. Woman making recovery More from A1 negative comment. The positive comments support- ed the proposed regulation, as written, including letters of support from the City of International Falls, the City of Ranier, and the Koochi- ching County Board of Commis- sioners. Tim Chopper McBride, coun- cillor-at-large for the City of In- ternational Falls, said the ruling is welcome news, adding the county board worked hard, with the sup- port of the two cities, to lobby for it. I think its great. I think its good, he enthused. I think in the end, CN will adapt to it well. Its economic development with jobs, and its great to make the ability to access the upper Rainy River and Rainy Lake a lot easier, McBride added. If CN will be able to operate how it needs to operate, the boat- ing traffic will be able to operate, and youll have four or five guys working there. Thats cool, he remarked. McBride said hes fully aware of the issues boaters have been fac- ing. Its tough for the Canadians over at the [Sorting Gap] marina . . . If that bridge is down, youre about a foot-and-a-half from your head sometimes, he noted. The negative comment was sub- mitted by the CNR, which ques- tioned the justification to require drawtenders due to infrequent bridge openings for vessels in re- cent years. CNR also requested that the Coast Guard alter the proposed dates and times that drawtenders would be required to be at the lift bridge. CNR reported no bridge open- ing requests were received until June 20 last year, and that be- tween Memorial Day and Labour Day last year, the bridge was re- quired to be opened a total of 31 times, resulting in an average of 2.2 bridge openings per week. But based on the information provided by other comments re- ceived in response to the NPRM, the Coast Guard was concerned about the lift bridge being re- sponsive to requests for bridge openingsand not being operated in accordance with federal draw- bridge regulations. The new rule is expected to provide for the reasonable balance of all modes of transportation and effectively accomplish the request- ed goal of improving bridge open- ings and communications between vessel operators and the [CNR] drawtender[s], the Coast Guard stated. The Coast Guard believes the Ranier lift bridge has not been operated in accordance with the drawbridge regulations, and this rule is expected to bring the draw- bridge into full compliance with the federal drawbridge regulations. Bridge to be manned More from A1 outlining what facts are publicly known about all of these issues. This comes down as a matter of interpretation. I feel that Mr. Kirch- er was right and the Freedom of Information Act confirms it, what do you think? Horban said to the crowd, which broke in applause in response. Was Mr. Kircher fulfilling his obligation to the 1,570 people who voted for him? I think so, he said to another round of applause. All the business of was he right or was he not in the revelation of the severance amendment ob- scures one really important point and that is why was the amend- ment even considered and brought up? Horban remarked. Addressing questions especially towards Belluz, Horban listed those the public has been asking, includ- ing whether it was administration or the board that brought forward the changes, research and com- parisons of the changes compared to other administrations across the province, as well as the impact such changes would have on ne- gotiations at other boards and, ultimately, the effect on education. He also asked about a possible link between this amendment and the new board investigating the missing funds at Fort High, or making it costly should the new board want to make changes in administration. Having the severance packages returned to their former status is the morally correct thing to do, Horban told the new board. As well, many people in Fort Frances are waiting for answers, answers to questions that have been on our mind for several years now, he said about the Fort High funds, in which hundreds of thou- sands of dollars went missing over a 38-month period. Fawn Lindberg faces charges in the matter, which is still before the courts. Horban questioned how the missing funds could have gone on for such a time period without be- ing discovered. Didnt somebody have the re- sponsibility to look after these funds? Wasnt anyone accountable? Who was minding our finances at the school? he asked. Didnt annual reviews point out that something was seriously wrong with the numbers? Whose job is it to notice this and request an audit? This could have been solved much sooner, Horban argued, re- calling that when Kircher began asking questions as a ratepayer, he was stonewalledhaving to re- sort to the Freedom of Information Act to obtain facts pertinent to the issue at the cost of $400. Horban asked that the public be given the final figures when it comes to what the matter has cost the board, and wondered how the current court case has to do with why the board hasnt answered these sort of questions yet. We the public, to this day, have no assurance that anything has been done to implement and moni- tor sound financial accounting pro- cedures at all employment levels, although I suspect that it has, he remarked. Theres been no formal recog- nition of the [missing funds] from the board, to date it has not been publicly acknowledged, he added, asking the new board what has been done, and what more can be done, to secure and ensure proper financial procedures are followed? The actions of the former board over the severance pay amend- ments also begs the question, whether or not there has been any other financial transaction which has not been revealed, which we dont know about, Horban ques- tioned. Does this indicate the need for a forensic audit? The amendment to senior ad- ministration contracts and the method by which it was done, in my, our, opinion, I hope, is a violation of the public trust that the previous board was charged to protect, argued Horban, placing a share of the responsibility for these actions on both Belluz and Marg Heyensthe only two trustees who returned to the board following the last falls election. Its my opinion, and Im hoping that you will agree, that these two members would do us all a favour if they resigned from the board, Horban said to more applause from the crowd. With the severance issue having been discussed in-camera by the board in January, then in public session in February, as well as in the local media, Lewis replied that at this time this board can say about the issue thats not already been said. But the board did pass a resolu- tion last night authorizing the chair to contact the boards legal counsel on labour relations to determine what discussion took place with him that led to the November, 2010 in-camera resolutions. As to the missing funds, Lewis reiterated that because the case is still in front of the courts, the board cannot comment further on what is already known in public until that court case has been con- cluded. But he added current trustees are as anxious as any citizen to know the complete details of this ongoing case. This board cannot account for any lack of transparency for any previous board, it can only be held accountable for its own actions, Lewis told the crowd. And I can tell you that this cur- rent board will be open and trans- parent, he vowed. It will also protect the privacy of individuals when it is required to do under the Education Act and or the Freedom of Information/ Protection of Privacy Act, Lewis stressed. Standing room only crowd backs Kircher Walter Horban addressed the Rainy River District School Board last night over public con- cerns with the former boards amendments to senior administration severance packages, the missing funds at Fort High, and board transparency, It was standing room only at the meet- ing as more than 60 people came out to show support for trustee David Kircher, who was found by the new board to have breached the trustee Code of Conduct after sharing details of the contract amendments. Peggy Revell photo AUTOS VANS TRUCKS RVS BOATS Thinking Boating? Before you launch, let us make it Squeek E Kleen! Professional Boat Detailing INSIDE and OUT! LOCATED AT THE CROZIER WAREHOUSE Make anappointment today. 274-0062 Shuttle Service and Gift Certifcates Available Mon-Fri 8am-2:30pm Saturday by Appointment NOTICE OF STUDY COMMENCEMENT Culvert Replacements Highway 11 and Highway 602 THE PROJECT The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has retained Hatch Mott MacDonald Ltd. to undertake a structural design study to replace the culverts at: Wo|f Creek Highway 602, 3.5 km east of the junction of Highway 11 at Emo Ra|ny R|ver Tr|butary Highway 602, 4.0 km west of the junction of Highway 11 at Fort Frances Moosehorn Lake Tr|butary Highway 11, 6.7 km west of Highway 502 Culvert replacement options using prefabricated elements will be considered to accelerate construction and minimize disruption. A single lane will remain open to signalized traffic during construction. THE PROCESS This study will follow the Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Transportation Facilities process for a Group 'B' project, with the opportunity for public input throughout. Based on the information collected during the study, an environmental screening will determine whether any of the proposed works pose any significant environmental effects, which may require the preparation of a Transportation Environmental Study Report. This report would be made available for public review and comment. If there are no significant issues, the study may be stepped-down and follow the process for a Group C project. If the project is 'stepped-down', a report will not be made available for public review. A notice advising of this decision will be published and there will be opportunity for public comment. COMMENTS We are interested in any comments or concerns you may have. Please submit your comments to: Philip Murray, M.Eng., P.Eng. Manager Bridges Hatch Mott MacDonald 2800 Speakman Dr|ve Mississauga, ON L5K 2R7 tel: 905-403-4265 (call collect) fax: 905-855-2607 e-mail: philip.murray@hatchmott.com Information will be collected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. With the exception of personal information, all comments will become part of the public record. Fort Frances Area Forecast -5 / +5 -6 / +6 -7 / +6 -7 / +6 -7 / +6 -6 / +7 -5 / +7 -8 / +5 -8 / +6 FORECAST FOR THIS WEEK www.weathertec.mb.ca 2011 Weather Tec Services. Inc. Temperatures shown on the map are NORMALS averaged over a thirty year periiod. Arrows indicate general WIND FLOW patterns. Thursday, April 7th ... Mostly sunny skies. Mild termperatures Low near -5C. High near +12C. Friday, April 8th ... A mix of sun and cloud. Mild temperatures. Low near -1C. High near +10C. Saturday, April 9th ... Cloudy periods. Mild temperatures. Low near -3C. High near +9C. Outlook for Sunday, April 10th to Saturday, April 15th, 2011 ... Mostly sunny skies on Sunday. Cloudy perios with occasional showers expected on Monday and Tuesday. A mix of sun and cloud on Wednesday to Saturday. Temperatures will be mild to normal. Lows will be -6 to -1C. Highs will be +1 to 10C. Daylight on April 7th lasts for 13 Hours and 14 Minutes. Sunrise: 6:39 AM. and Sunset: 7:53 PM. Fort Frances -6 / +7 International Falls Rainy River Baudette Nestor Falls Sioux Narrows Kenora Vermillion Bay Dryden Upsala Atikokan Emo APR. 11 + 12. Normal temperatures. Cloudy periods. Occasional showers. APR. 13 + 14. Normal temperatures. A mix of sun and cloud. APR. 7 to 10, 15. Mild temperatures. A mix of sun and cloud. WeatherTec Services Inc. (to change mm to inches divide by 25) METRIC CONVERSION C 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 -5 -10 -15 -20 -25 F 95 86 77 68 59 50 41 32 23 14 5 -4 -13 NOTIFICATION Notice of Completion Mine Centre Waste Disposal Site (WDS) Closure Plan The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Fort Frances District, has completed a Closure Plan for the Mine Centre WDS, located on the north side of Highway 11 in the hamlet of Mine Centre. The MNR proposes to close this WDS in 2012 as it has reached its maximum capacity. The MNR does not intend to close this site until a new location or alternative method of managing the communitys household waste is identied. A review and assessment of the current condition of the WDS was carried out. The Closure Plan meets all Ministry of the Environment (MOE) requirements to successfully close this site in 2012. The Plan includes barriers to accessing the site, capping and returning the site to a green area and a monitoring program for both ground and surface water quality. A rst public notice was issued on November 24, 2010. The proposal and consultation process was carried out according to the Category B requirements of the Class Environmental Assessment for MNR Resource Stewardship and Facility Development Projects. A copy of the Closure Plan is available at the MNR Fort Frances District ofce during normal business hours. If at the end of this notice period the MNR considers that there are no signicant outstanding concerns, it may proceed to implement the project without further public notice. Where concerns remain about this project that cannot be resolved with the MNR, concerned parties may request a Part II Order requiring an individual environmental assessment under the Environmental Assessment Act. As this decision rests with the MOE, please direct your inquiries to the Minister of the Environment, Ferguson Block, 77 Wellesley Street West, 11th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M7A 2T5 by May 12, 2011, with a copy to the MNR at the address noted below. However, prior to making such a request, concerned parties are encouraged to consult the MNR to seek a resolution of their concerns. Comments and personal information regarding this proposal are collected under the authority of the Environmental Assessment Act, Environmental Protection Act, and Public Lands Act to assist the MNR in making decisions. Comments not constituting personal information as dened by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act will be shared among the MNR and others as appropriate, and may be included in documentation available for public review. Personal information will remain condential unless prior consent to disclose is obtained. This information may be used by the MNR to seek public input on other projects. For further information on the project, to inspect the project le during normal business hours or to submit comments, please contact: Cheryl Gartley, IRM Technical Specialist Ministry of Natural Resources 922 Scott Street Fort Frances, ON P9A 1J4 tel: 807-274-8626 fax: 807-274-4438 e-mail: Cheryl.Gartley@ontario.ca Hair & Body Care Shoppe in Emo would like to welcome She has just graduated from MC College in Kelowna as a Licensed Esthetician Dana will be offering Facials, Spa Packages, Gel Nails, Make-up, Waxing, Manicures and Pedicures etc. Please call 482-2215 for an appointment. to their staff Dana Drnnan WALMART CORRECTION NOTICE ========================== We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. For our yer effective Apr. 1 - 7/11. Page 1: Nescafe Dolce Gusto by T-Fal (#1532660) does not include cappuccino cup and saucer and latte glass and it is not exactly as shown. Page 5: Glade Scented Oil Candle Value Pack #1361225 will be available at a later date.