Friday, April 29, 2011

Candidates Debate Forestry


The forest industry started a heated discussion between the candidates in the Thunder Bay-Rainy River Riding at a debate in Thunder Bay last night.

Liberal Ken Boshcoff pointed out, during his time in office, the Liberals had come up with solutions to help the industry but after the 2008 election the Conservative Government didn't implement them.

Conservative Maureen Comuzzi-Stehmann placed blame on Liberal policies for the downturn in the forest industry.

NDP incumbent John Rafferty mentioned the played a role in getting mills the black liquor subsidy.

Protection for Native Languages Needed


A Canadian filmmaker says it's important native languages be preserved.

Andree Cazabon spoke yesterday to delegates attending the Native Studies conference in Fort Frances.

Cazabon says more schools need to offer courses in native languages.

"It's not far fetched to think that if we don't preserve language and culture that we can find ourselves with a bus load full of Asian tourists saying to them 'no,no,no we don't have any more aboriginal people in Canada. They've all been absorbed into the mainstream and don't exist anymore."

Cazabon found in her latest project, 'Third World Canada,' that many young aboriginals are already unable to speak the native language of their grandparents.

Home Show Starts


Today is the start of the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce Home and Leisure Show.

Manager Anthony Mason says a strongman competition tonight is one of the big attractions.

"We're really stoked that we're able to host it," says Mason. "It's a sanctioned event for the competitors which means they will be competing for spots in the Ontario Strongest Man challenge."

The doors at the Memorial Sports Centre open at 4 p.m.

Horticuluralists Gather in Atikokan


Horticulturalists from across northwestern Ontario gather in Atikokan this weekend.

They're meeting for an annual meeting.

President of the Atikokan society, Alana Rechlin says they serve as a good resource for other planters.

"If they don't have the background knowledge, this is where the horticultural societies can come in," says Rechlin. "We can give them advice, literature to read or our own experience as to what will work and what won't."

The weekend meetings coincide with the Atikokan Society's 30th anniversary.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Festival Results from Thursday

The Rainy River District Festival of the Performing Arts has wrapped up.

Katelyn Bruyere and Adyson Hands each won twice for solo works while bands from Robert Moore and Fort Frances High School took several titles in the instrumental division.

The best of the festival will perform May 8

Here is a list of all winners from Thursday.

CLASS B812(II)
FIRST - Hailey McEvoy
SECOND - Justis Gauthier

CLASS B105
FIRST - Robert Moore School, Grades 4 and 5, Director – Mrs. Donald

CLASS B300
FIRST - Robert Moore School, Grades 7 and 8, Director - Karen Peltomaki

CLASS B302
FIRST - Fort Frances High School Intermediate Band, Director - Lisa Loney

CLASS B303
FIRST - Fort Frances High School Senior Band, Director – Lisa Loney

CLASS B304
FIRST - Fort Frances High School Stage Band, Director – Lisa Loney

CLASS B402
FIRST - Caleb Dueck , Lorianne Dueck

CLASS S1300
FIRST – Katelyn Bruyere

CLASS S1250
FIRST – Katelyn Bruyere

CLASS S1200-B
FIRST - Adyson Hands

CLASS S600
FIRST – Adyson Hands

CLASS B806
FIRST - Emma Kunkel

CLASS B802
FIRST – Cameron Daley

Community Reports Released


Healthy eating and physical activity top the list of the most important community health needs based a series of reports released by the Northwestern Health Unit.

The Health Unit's Tanis Fretter says they're now working to address those needs in the twelve communities involved.

"Some communities are development plans around what they identified mostly as either their top two or top three priorities," says Fretter. "We working with communities to help them figure out what next steps they want to take and we're committed to continuing that process as long as it takes."

Recreational opportunities, drug and alcohol use and mental health were other priorities identified.

Forest Tenure Bill Still Troubling



The Ontario Forest Industries Association is again expressing disappointment with the McGuinty Government and its handling of the Forest Tenure Reform bill.

Spokesperson Scott Jackson says no one is happy with it.

"There was an overwhelming concern with the speed at which this bill is moving forward," says Jackson, and a very clear request, in our opinion, from a variety of stakeholders that this needed to be slowed down in order to make sure we get it right."

The Government has filed a time allocation motion that would fast track the bill and eliminate further debate at the committee level.

Conferences Kick Off Today



Regional business and community leaders are taking part in two separate conferences starting today.

In Kenora, the Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce is holding its spring meeting.

President-elect Andy Scribilo says it's a chance to discuss issues effecting their communities.

"This is our spring resolutions to take them down to Ontario Chamber of Commerce," says Scribilo. "We're really hoping the community gets involved through the Chamber to get some resolutions. That's the only way we can get the voice down to the Parliament."

Meantime, Thunder Bay is hosting the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association conference.

President Ron Nelson says four members of the McGuinty cabinet will also be there.

"The Minister of Natural Resources (Linda Jeffrey) will be there," says Nelson. "The Minister of University Colleges and Training (John Milloy) should be an interesting discussions knowing that Lakehead University is pushing for a law school."

Infrastructure Minister Bob Chiarelli and Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle are also attending.

College President Search Nearing an End


The search for a new president at Confederation College is inching closer to an announcement.

Board of Governors chair Marilyn Gouthro says a replacement for the retiring Pat Lang could be named next month.

The board has shortlisted its selection down to six candidates.

Gifts for New Moms Wanted


It's a baby shower of a community-wide nature.

Residents across Koochiching County are being asked to donate items such as diapers, clothes and other accessories to help out new mothers.

Brenda Jones of the Rainy Lake Medical Centre says they're not just for people in need.

"It's to welcome every mother and to provide a gift for every new mother and baby that comes into Koochiching County," says Jones. "It's also an opportunity for these mom to learn about services that's provided to them."

Items will be collected by the Medical Centre and the Koochiching County Health Department on May 25 and distributed during visits by the local nurses.

Major Sponsor for Bass Tournament


The Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship is receiving some much needed support for a Fort Frances business owner.

Sunset Country Ford will become the tournament's presenting sponsor following an undisclosed contribution from owner Nick Beyak.

"I see it as an investment really," says Beyak. "The bass tournament brings in so much to the community in terms as a dollar amount that it being a strong solid tournament I think its vital to the economic environment in Fort Frances."

Tournament chair Gord Watson calls the donation significant and a tremendous boast for the tournament.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Native Language Conference Starts



Educators from across northwestern Ontario, Minnesota and Manitoba are gathering in Fort Frances today for the start of a three day conference focusing on native education.

Aboriginal Education Leader with the Rainy River District School Board Brent Tookenay tells B93 News the conference is in its third year.

"It was usually focused on just native languages," says Tookenay, "but now we've expanded it to native studies and tried to draw in some different areas. Teachers can take these workshops and apply some of the concepts and themes in their classroom."

The conference features a number of guest speakers and workshops.

Students Raise Money for Haiti

Students and staff at St. Francis School in Fort Frances have raised over $1,000 to help a village in Haiti enjoy clean drinking water.

The money was raised over the past six weeks through their Lenten campaign entitled "Buckets of Love."

The money will be turned over to the "Free the Children" organization who will use the money to construct wells and sanitation systems in Haiti.

Conservatives Supporting FedNor


The Harper Conservatives are again committing themselves to FedNor.

Speaking in Thunder Bay, the minister responsible Tony Clement says despite what the other parties may say, the regional development program is not in any danger.

"We are committed to FedNor," says Clement. "We were the first party when we were in government to actually FedNor guaranteed funding for five years and we have improved upon that funding in our proposed budget."

Clement was in the city to help support the area's Conservative candidates.

Advance Polls Busy


It was a busy time at the advance polls for Elections Canada workers in the Thunder Bay-Rainy River riding.

A total of 4,846 people across the riding took advantage of the early voting on the Easter weekend.

That's just short of a 2008 record of 4,900.

Local Town's not so Ultimate


Unless there's a huge stuffing of the ballot box over the next week, Fort Frances, Nestor Falls and International Falls chances of being named the Ultimate Fishing Town look slim.

Both Fort Frances and Nestor Falls are far back of the Canadian leaders in the World Fishing Network's on-line contest

International Falls had received just 20 votes as of this morning in the U.S. version.

First round voting ends Tuesday.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Council Meeting Time Stays the Same


There will be no early start to Fort Frances council meetings any time soon.

Mayor Roy Avis floated the idea of pushing back the start of meetings an extra half-hour to 5 p.m. during the summer months.

Councillor Ken Perry says that will only hurt his attendance.

"The sooner we start these meetings the more time I have to take time off work," says Perry. "It's going to get to a point where I won't take anymore time off work and that means I won't be on council."

Councillor Paul Ryan says if the change couldn't be accommodating to all councillors there was no reason to make a switch.

Council has opted to table to idea until further notice.

Budget Approval Delayed


Fort Frances town council has held off on passing the 2011 budget.

A public meeting was to be held last night before councillors gave their approval.

Mayor Roy Avis says questions that arose during an in-camera meeting and problems with the Shaw television coverage prompted them to delay passage until their next meeting on May 8.

Traffic Light Changes



There will be changes coming to some traffic lights in Fort Frances.

The town's operations and facilities manager Doug Brown says lights at the intersection of King's Highway and Keating Avenue will be adjusted next Monday to allow pedestrians more time to cross Keating.

"The walk signal will be longer for pedestrians going across the road on the south of Keating," says Brown. "It doesn't affect anyone going across the highway."

Advanced flashing greens at three intersections will be also be replaced this summer with a four-light system that includes a turn arrow.

Locum Housing Discussed


An update on plans to create new housing for locums who man the Rainy River Health Centre's emergency room will be discussed in Rainy River tonight.

Jack Elliott, a spokesperson with the Rainy River Health Care Committee says it's needed in the community.

"In the past they would stay at the hotel for a little bit or they'd have to stay in Baudette," says Elliott, "or we would rent a house for a little while. We really need something on a more permanent basis and you want somethings that's a nice attractive facility where they can come and feel at home."

The meeting at the Rainy River Legion begins at 7 p.m.

Adoption Changes



Ontario is making it easier for families to adopt.

Children's Services Minister Laurel Broten says the government is removing a legal barrier that prevented three-quarters of the Crown wards in the province from finding permanent families.

The government also wants adoptive parents to qualify for a monthly subsidy now given to foster parents.

Earthquake Reported



Natural Resources Canada is confirming that a minor earthquake struck near Devlin last month.

The 1.9 magnitude quake happened around 2 a.m. on March 25.

Seismic activity is not uncommon to northwestern Ontario, although most of the minor quakes over the past year have been around the Atikokan area.

Elderly Man Scammed

An elderly man from the International Falls area has been bilked out almost $14,000 after becoming a victim of the so-called grand-kids scam.

Koochiching County Sheriff's office says the 94-year-old man sent the money after receiving a telephone call from someone claiming that his grandson was in need of help and needed to be money.

The man sent the money before realizing he had been conned.

Soup Truck Panned



Advocates for the poor aren't impressed with a "Soup Truck" that's traveling around Minnesota.
A group calling itself the Minnesota Majority is using the truck as a humorous way of expressing opposing to Governor Mark Dayton's proposed tax increase for the wealthy.

Nancy Anderson, executive director of the Falls Hunger Coalition in International Falls, doesn't find it so funny.

"It just is one more way that it degrades people who are in a position of having to ask for help," says Anderson. "I think the very least we should do as advocates is to speak up and protect the dignity of people that are in that position."

Food donations are being collected as well, but opponents says that was only done as an after-thought.

Fort Flag to Fly in Kenora

(Thunderhawks in action during the 2011 Allan Cup tournament in Kenora)


The Fort Frances town flag will soon be flying high over the city of Kenora.

Mayor Roy Avis says it's the outcome of a bet he made with Kenora Mayor Dave Canfield during the recent Allan Cup tournament.

"If Fort Frances beat Kenora, Kenora would fly our flag for a week," says Avis. "If it worked the other way, we would been flying Kenora's flag so I have to congratulate the Fort Frances team for the win. I'll be looking forward to presenting (Mayor Canfield) with our flag (this week)."

The Thunderhawks eliminated Kenora from the tournament in a playoff game.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Help for Border Towns Wanted



The NDP's Economic Development Critic is calling on the Province to make border towns more competitive.
Howard Hampton wants the government to reduce the liquor control board's mark up on liquor sold by duty-free stores.

"This has been done in some of the other provinces like B.C.," says Hampton. "They really reduced the mark up on liquor sold at the duty-frees stores there and it made a big difference. It would help to reinvigorate some of the businesses in our border town and help bring back some of the shoppers from Minnesota."

The Kenora-Rainy River MPP says the mark up of 50 per cent should be dropped to 30.

Fort Frances Man Convicted

(An incident involving OPP last November forced the closure of streets around the area)

The man involved in a lengthy stand-off with OPP in Fort Frances last November will be spending a little more time in custody.

Richard Edward Kabatay was sentenced to eight months in jail after being convicted last week on a charge of assault with a weapon.

An initial charge of attempted murder was dropped.

Another man was stabbed during the November 27 incident.

Kabatay has been in Fort Frances jail since.

Final Advance Poll Today



The final day of advance polls is today.

They go from noon until 8 p.m.

Voting can be done at the returning office on 2nd Street East in Fort Frances, the Pioneer Centre in Atikokan and the Rainy River Community Centre.

International Falls "Walk-a-bout"




The city of International Falls is planning a "walk-a-bout" as a means of gathering input from residents on the city's sidewalks and bike paths.

City administrator Rod Otterness says participants will walk a selected route on May 12.

"(It will give) people an opportunity to observe the walk-ability of that area and also learn how to understand and learn some keys that make a community walkable," says Otterness

A workshop will follow the walk.

Fort Frances Relay For Life

(Some of the many participants from the 2011 Relay for Life in Fort Frances)


More than a dozen teams have signed on so far for the Relay for Life event in Fort Frances.

Committee spokesperson Myles Kuharski says, like last year, the June 24 event will have a theme.

"The theme this year is we're doing Relay through the Decades," says Kuharski. "So teams are encouraged to pick a decade. Dress up for that decade. Last year's theme was kind of a similar thing where teams dressed up and it went over quite well."

Groups interested can register by going to the Canadian Cancer Society's website.

Rainy River Relay for Life Update



This year's Relay for Life in Rainy River is planned for June 24.

About six teams have signed up so far.

Last year, the Relay had twenty raising more than $57-thousand.

Sign up can be done through the Canadian Cancer Society's website.

Fort Frances Chef Highlights Canadian Cuisine


Some international exposure for a Fort Frances chef.

Todd Moxham was recently invited as a celebrity chef to an conference in Hibbing that promoted Canada.

The owner of Cater 2 U fixed up a variety of dishes.

"There was smoked salmon. There was beef appetizers," says Moxham. "For lunch we cooked salmon. Alberta baron of beef. We had a chicken cordon bleu. We had PEI roast potatoes.We had wild rice pilaf from this area."

Moxham also worked with culinary students from Hibbing College.

Candidates Debate in Fort Frances


Candidates in the Thunder Bay-Rainy River riding are pledging to help American tourists with minor criminal records, enter Canada easier.

Responding to a question from the Northwestern Ontario Tourist Outfitters Association at Wednesday night's debate in Fort Frances, Green Party Candidate Ed Shields was surprised to hear that actor Charlie Sheen was able to enter into Canada with ease while tourists with offences such as impaired driving, are being refused at borders here.

"As think as government, I'd want to make sure that we have equal treatment, under the law and under situations coming into our border, by everyone," says Shields.

Conservative Candidate Maureen Comuzzi-Stehmann says she'll work to eliminate the red tape visitors go through to enter the country.

"Our government has been very active, in fact before this election, with the American authorities to eliminate that red tape," says Comuzzi-Stehmann.

Liberal candidate Ken Boshcoff says making Americans more aware of the steps they can take to enter Canada can help.

"Awareness is the key," says Boshcoff. "Our great need now is to promote effectively in the United States so that any of these issues are dealt with before they get to the border."

NDP incumbent John Rafferty says he's tried to find out if complaints about the Fort Frances border are unique.

"Then I also requested a meeting in Ottawa with Canada Border Services Agency chief," says Rafferty, "and the head in Thunder Bay. Neither of those were forthcoming. They refused to meet with me."

Candidates also touched on forestry, pensions and the economy

Local Agency Seeks Funds for Waiting List


Community Living Fort Frances and District, its workers and residents are jointly calling on the province for more funding to help those access the agency's services.

Executive director Alanna Barr says about 55 people with developmental disabilities are now on a wait list, some for several years.

"For several years now, the province has asked agencies that support individuals with a developmental disability to do more with the new funding investment in the sector," says Barr. "However, doing more with the funding that been given to the sector still leaves us at a loss to support those family members that are waiting for services with our agency."

Barr says agencies across the province are in similar situations.

Customer Services Participants Named



Twenty-eight businesses across the Rainy River District have signed up for the Rainy River Future Development Corporation's Customer Service Challenge.

The winners will be based on comments from the public.

Voting will begin May 3rd.

The businesses taking part are;

NORTHWOOD'S GALLERY & GIFTS
KUPILA'S SOUND CENTRE
STUDIO GIBBOUS
GREEN'S COUNTRYWIDE FURNITURE
WEST END MOTORS FF INC.
NORLUND OIL (2003) LTD
SUPER 8 MOTEL
TIMES WEB DESIGN
FORT FRANCES TIMES LTD.
CLOVERLEAF FAMILY FOODS
PETERBILT FORT FRANCES
FORT FRANCES GENERAL SUPPLY
SIMPLICITY PROFESSIONAL HAIR & BODY CARE
TAGGS SOURCE FOR SPORTS
McTAGGARTS
LA PLACE RENDEZVOUS
FORT FRANCES ENHANCED HEARING CENTRE
THE EAR CLINIC, INC.
MADDY'S LITTLE STORE
LEON'S
CAUSEWAY GENERAL INSURANCE BROKERS LTD.
BELLUZ CONCRETE & RENTALS
PHARMASAVE
CELESTE'S
THE DEN
BROCKIE'S JEWELLERS
BOSTON PIZZA
NAUGHTY PINE RIDING RANCH

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Candidates Debate in Stratton


A couple of hundred people attended an all-candidates debate in Stratton last night.

All four candidates in Thunder Bay-Rainy River outlined their platforms and answered questions from the audience.

NDP incumbent John Rafferty used the debate to criticize the Conservatives rule the past five years.

"Steven Harper, five years ago, become Prime Minister promising to do things different," says Rafferty. "Promising not to do as the Liberals had done. Promising not to end scandal-ridden like the Liberals had. We know what's happened."

Conservative candidate Maureen Comuzzi-Stehman says her election to Ottawa would mean a strong voice at the government table.

"I will ensure our region has a strong voice in government," says Comuzzi-Stehmann, "and I will champion growth for northwestern Ontario."

Liberal candidate Ken Boshcoff says he can continue to be an even more effective representative than he was when we was MP four years ago.

"Since that time, I believe not only have I learned a few things," says Boshcoff, "but my experience in all of those capacities will all me to be an ever more effective member of Parliament."

Green Party candidate Ed Shields says voting Green can be beneficial to the Rainy River district.

"Your vote for the Green can made a difference in creating a greener, more sustainable environment," says Shields. "Not only for yourself, but for the whole area."

Gun control, agricultural programs and the Bloc Quebois were among topics discuss by the candidates.

Candidates in Fort Frances Tonight


All four Thunder Bay-Rainy River candidates will discuss the issues tonight at the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce sponsored debate

It's at the Civic Centre starting at 7 p.m.

Candidates will answer questions posed by a local panel.

Mining Opportunities


The head of the Iron Mine Association of Minnesota sees Canadian opportunities in the growing mining industry in northeastern Minnesota.

Craig Pagel says several new mines are expected in the coming years and companies are always looking for new technologies, no matter where they come from.

"What's important that if you develop a technology or the ability of some certain type of construction that's wanted you can go anywhere in the world," says Pagel. "I think that's what's going to be beneficial for both sides."

Pagel was in Fort Frances yesterday to speak to members of the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce.

Tug of War Given Name


The tug of war between International Falls and Fort Frances has been given an official name.

Falls city administrator Rod Otternesss says it will be called the International Tug of War - Pulling for Peace.

"We really want this event to be an event that carries the sense of a sporting rather than just a fun event," says Otterness, "so that the participants, as they are pulling for peace, are also pulling for bragging rights for the next year."

Otterness says they're hoping to brand the name on items such as gloves and water bottles for participants.

President Not Visiting



President Barack Obama is sending his regrets.

Obama's staff has officially informed the city of International Falls that the President will not attend this summer's festivities surrounding the official opening of the new Voyageur's National Park headquarters and the Irvin N. Anderson Amphitheatre.

Mayor Shawn Mason says they're still hopeful a White House representative will be able to attend.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Stratton Debate Tonight


Candidates in the Thunder Bay-Rainy River riding gather tonight in Stratton for the first of three debates this week.

NDP incumbent John Rafferty says he's he's ready to discuss the issues which his challengers.

"I do make sure I'm up to snuff on our platform in any number of areas," says Rafferty. "There can always be some odd questions your not prepared and you want to make sure you have the knowledge of your platform behind you."


Liberal Candidate Ken Boschoff says he's ready.

"You essentially be always prepared," says Boshcoff. "You should know your facts. You should know your policies and you should know why you're running. I feel I'm ready for the debate as if it is right now."







Conservative Candidate Maureen Comuzzi-Stehman says it's an opportunity to present her party's platform.

"I'm going with a strong message that our government is leading with," says Comuzzi-Stehman. "Our economy is coming out of the worse economic recession since World War II. Our government has a proven record. Our taxes are low. We're creating jobs and I'm sticking to that good message."



Green Party Candidate Ed Shields says the debates are something new for him.

"I'm a research scientist and not a politician," says Shields. "I'm not used to debating. I'm used to sitting and thinking and writing long papers so it's a whole new experience for me."

The debate in Stratton will be held at Our Lady of the Way School beginning at 7 p.m.

All questions will be posed by audience members.

There will also be an opportunity to meet the candidates prior and after the debate.

Harper Visits Thunder Bay


Prime Minister Harper is waking up in Thunder Bay this morning.

Last night, he rallied party faithful, saying electing a Conservative in the northwest is no long just a dream.

"You have taken us farther in this area than anyone thought possible even a few short years ago," says Harper, "winning our first seat here, in Kenora, in a hundred years in the last election."

Harper remains in Thunder Bay this morning for an announcement at the Regional Health Sciences Centre.

Rate Increase Approved



The Ontario Energy Board has approved a rate increase for the Fort Frances Power Corporation.

CEO Jorge Ruppenstein says the 3 per cent adjustment impacts items not under their control.

"About twenty per cent of your bill is actually the Fort Frances Power Corporation," says Ruppenstein. "Eight per cent is other stakeholders throughout the industry and we are the collection agency for all of these stakeholders."

Ruppenstein says the increase does not take into account a local rebate that's given annually to Fort Frances Power users.

CCAC Contract


The Ontario Nurses Association has a new contract with the Northwest Community Care Access Centre.

ONA President Linda Haslam-Stroud says the deal addresses wages, but their members with CCAC remain the lowest paid in the province.

"There has been some normative wage increases," says Haslam-Stroud, "but at least they're equivalent to another northern CCAC at one of the higher levels of the grid. There still a lot of work to do on wages."

Haslam-Stroud hopes to further address the wage issue in provincial negotiations.

Former Falls Mayor to be Honoured

A long time mayor of International Falls and World War II vet is to be recognized by the city.

City Administrator Rod Otterness says a seaplane base on Rainy River will be renamed in honour of Jack Murray.

"I can think of any more fitting than recognizing Jack Murray," says Otterness. "He clearly loves International Falls. He wears the town on his chest, literally, with his 'I Love International Falls' button."

Murray was a marine aviator during World War II in the Pacific, and held office for 28 years, 14 as mayor.

A formal dedication ceremony will be held at a later date.

Monday, April 18, 2011

No Debate in Atikokan

There will be no candidate's debate in Atikokan this federal election.

The Atikokan Chamber of Commerce was hoping to have the debate tonight, but couldn't confirm the attendance of Conservative Candidate Maureen Comuzzi-Stehman because of a visit to Thunder Bay by Prime Minister Harper.
Because of other conflicts, no other alternative date could be found.

All four of the candidates for Thunder Bay-Rainy River will be at debates tomorrow in Stratton and Wednesday in Fort Frances.

Tug of War Taking Shape



Some of the details of this summer's tug of war between Fort Frances and International Falls have been revealed.

Fort Frances Councillor Rick Wiedenhoeft says there are two separate events planned for July 2.

"One (will be) Fort Frances council versus the International Falls council with some celebrities attached the rope,," says Wiedenhoeft. "There will be twenty pulling against twenty. That will go first. We are going to have a tug-of-war between the Americans and Canadians with fifty (pullers) versus fifty."

A new trophy will also be handed out to the winners.

MNR In Training


The Ministry of Natural Resources has wrapped up a training program for some its employees.

MNR Manager Dave Cleavely says the forum was geared towards senior staff from across northwestern Ontario.

"we brought over one hundred crew leaders into Dryden and we're concentrating on leadership and safety," says Cleavely. "These are our front-line supervisors who take our firefighters into the bush every summer so we want to make sure they have the tools and know the techniques that make our people safe."

Cleavely says the course included a look at new safety guidelines that ensure the safety of workers.

Chambers Adds New Members



The International Falls Chamber of Commerce has some new board member.

Todd Coulombe, manager of International SuperValu of the Falls, and Vera Schumann of the Rainy Lake Medical Centre will join the 12-member board on May 1 for three year terms.

Bob Anderson is the board's new chair.

Summer Company Program Returns


The Northwest Business Centre is offering students a unique summer job opportunity.

Spokesperson Mike Greaves says it will again offer its 'Summer Company' program.

"It's an opportunity for students who are looking for a summer job, they can create their own job by starting their own business and being their own boss," says Greaves. "It's a great opportunity to get a different type of summer work experience."

Over the past 5 years, the program has helped develop 15 young entrepreneurs across the Kenora and Rainy River districts.

Festival Results from Friday

Shawn Brady was the lone multi-winner in the French Drama Division of the Rainy River District Festival of the Performing Arts on Friday.

Brady picked up two first-place wins as well as a second-place certificate.

The festival resumes April 28 with instrumental performances.

Here is a list of all winners from Friday.


FESTIVAL RESULTS - FRENCH DRAMA DIVISION, April 15, 2011

CLASS F104-A (II)
FIRST - Alyssa Chaisson
SECOND - Ian Jodoin

CLASS F104-B (III)
FIRST - Maddie Sanders
SECOND - Graham Kitt

CLASS F104-C (II)
FIRST - Savannah Chapman
SECOND -Brielle Byma

CLASS F406
FIRST - St. Francis School, Grades 5 and 6

CLASS F103-A (I)
FIRST - Mackenzie Borger

CLASS F103-A (II)
FIRST - Siobhan MacKintosh
SECOND - Katelin Gurniak

CLASS F103-B
FIRST - Maggie Gurski
SECOND - Naomi McManaman

CLASS F103-D
FIRST - Mackenzie Wright
SECOND - Aiden Tullio

CLASS F104-A
FIRST - Shawn Brady
SECOND - Shanleigh Fryer

CLASS F104-B(I)
FIRST - Tianna Veldhuisen
SECOND - Nick Piotrowski

CLASS F104-C
FIRST - Ashley Dupuis
SECOND - Julia Quast

CLASS F104-D
FIRST - Cameron Penney
SECOND - Shawn Brady

CLASS F110-A
FIRST - Badiuk and Jordan Bruyere

CLASS F110-B(I)
FIRST - Kyle Knapp and Mitchell Riodon

CLASS F110-B(II)
FIRST - Jordan Taggart and Cameron Turriff

CLASS F110-C(I)
FIRST - Claire Hyatt, Ana Stopa and Courtney Williams

CLASS F110-C(II)
FIRST - Alexandra Adrian and McKenna Begin

CLASS F202-A
FIRST - Shawn Brady

Friday, April 15, 2011

Bass Tournament Help Coming


The town of Fort Frances appears ready to help organizers of the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship.

Town councillors yesterday indicated a willingness to accept most of items requested except free use of the Memorial Sports Centre

Councillor Ken Perry was among those to express concerns with that plan.

"Giving free ice time or free rental and then the Bass tournament charging the (Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce) for rent for Quest for the Best in our facility that we're charging (them) nothing, you'd hear from me later if you didn't hear from me now," says Perry.

Efforts will instead be made to access funding through the Rainy River Future Development Corporation that could be applied to this year's fees.

Bass Tournament Looks to Move


This could be the final year that the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Tournament is held indoors.

Tournament officials confirm they're looking at a return to the waterfront as early as next year.

Committee member Jim Cumming says a committee will be struck after the July event to study the benefits of moving back outdoors.

The tournament moved to the Memorial Sports Centre for the first time last year.