Friday, June 25, 2010

BIA to Lose Coordinator

The Fort Frances Downtown Business Improvement Association is moving ahead without the services of a full-time coordinator.

B.I.A. members decided at a recent meeting to let its long-time coordinator Patti Anderson go at the end of July.

Chair Connie Cuthbertson says its part of their restructuring plan.

"She's done a fabulous job for us," says Cuthbertson, "but it really comes down to us needing to have more money to do more projects. She's very graciously understood our position all along. It's just a necessity at this time."

Cuthbertson says it's hoped the money saved can be used for other projects promoting downtown businesses.

Abattoir Get Award


The Rainy River District Regional Abattoir in Emo has been honoured by the province with a Premier's Awards for Agri-food innovation excellence.

Board president Steve Lowshaw accepted the award during a ceremony in Thunder Bay yesterday.

"It's very humbling and satisfying to see the recognition that was given to the work we've put into that innovation," says Lowshaw. "The next steps are to continue developing further markets, processing in the area. Help sustain and develop the agriculture industry with that facility."

The Abattoir has been in operation since February.

Boise Celebrates

Boise is celebrating 100 years of paper manufacturing in International Falls today.

The mill is holding celebrations at Smokey Bear Park with both Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty and Congressman Jim Obestar expected to attend.

The first paper was made at the mill on June 6, 1910.

Relay For Life in Fort Tonight


Organizers of Fort Frances' Relay for Life are promising the fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society to be the most exciting its ever been.

It's being held tonight at Fort Frances High School.

Committee member John Homer says they also have an indoor option if the weather turns nasty.

"We have access to the gym," says Homer, "and we will be inside the gym if it rains. That's one of the great things about this new venue. As much as the (Pither's) Point was a great place. If it rained, we had to be outside in the rain. We don't have to be there this year."

Opening ceremonies will begin at 6 p.m. with the survivor's walk kicking off the 12-hour event at 7 p.m.

Graduation for Fort High

It was a time to offer congratulations for graduating students from Fort Frances High School last night

One-hundred and 33 students received diplomas at ceremonies held at the Memorial Sports Centre last night.

Principal Al McManaman says area residents should feel proud of the class of 2010.

"I look back at the good things the kids did in terms of doing well on their assignments and tests" says McManaman. "We have a good group of kids representing our community who shown through community service and raising money for the Haitian relief effort. That kind of thing shows really well for our student body and our community."

Shane Beck was this year's valedictorian.

Alberton Accepts Group Homes

Alberton township council is to allow group homes within certain parts of its township.

Council approved changes to its zoning by-law Wednesday night - almost a year after Weechi-ti-win Family Services' failed attempt to relocate its training and learning center to the community.

Councillor Mike Ford says the changes are not about restricting anyone from setting up a home in the future.

"This is just about land," says Ford, "how land is used now - how land is used in the future. It's not dealing with what's on the land or who's on the land."

Group homes will be permitted in areas zoned rural or rural residential, but must meet certain criteria.

New Arena Planned for Atikokan

The town of Atikokan is looking to replace its arena.

Mayor Dennis Brown says a leak from the nearby swimming pool four years ago is believed to have caused damaged to the arena's ice surface, and doesn't think spending half-a-million dollars to fix the problem makes good sense.

"Because of the age of the arena and other things that need replacing, such as the boards, glass and refrigerated floor system, we should instead build a new arena," says Brown.

Brown says they're looking at an 800-seat facility that may include a fitness centre and walking track and attached the existing pool facility.

Costs are estimated at between $5-and-7-million.

Moose Research


Researchers from Ontario and Minnesota are gathered in International Falls Thursday to discuss the future of moose in their areas.

The one-day symposium examined the issues impacting moose populations such as climate change, disease and environment.

Hunter Fined

A Timmins, Ontario man has been banned from hunting for one year after being found guilty of shooting a deer on private property.

Sylvain Gravel was charged last year.

Court was told he admitting to shooting the deer to a Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officer who was investigating a complaint of a hunter trespassing on private land near Split Rock Road in Sifton township, northeast of Fort Frances.

Gravel was also fined three-thousand dollars.

Canada Day Preparations


Canada Day festivities are shaping up in the town of Fort Frances.

Organizer Dawn Booth says they have a full schedule of events planned for next Thursday, thanks in part to the response received in a call for help last month.

"Considering six weeks ago we were pretty much done and over with, we've made a pretty positive turn," says Booth. "Hopefully it will continue in this fashion and this year we'll be successful and next year we'll continue to grow."

The planning committee is now seeking entrants for the Canada Day parade which will run back along the Fort Frances waterfront.

Rainy River H.S. Graduation Held


The class of 2010 at Rainy River High School was recognized at graduation ceremonies held at the high school Wednesday night.

A total of 33 students received diplomas.

Principal Jim Chorney says the year overall was a positive one for the graduating students.

"We've introduced some new programs," says Chorney, "like our outdoor education program which has been a big hit and will hopefully continue to grow. Hopefully they have all matured and all enjoyed the year and ready for the next step."

Alica Joduin was this year's valedictorian.