Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Tibbs Remembered

Fond memories of Sharon Tibbs from her Fort Frances council colleagues.

Councillors took time during last night's meeting to remember the long-time councillor who died last week.

Members of her family were on hand as each member of council remembered Sharon and her accomplishments.

An emotional Ken Perry says one of her favourite sayings was 'volunteerism is one of the dues you pay to live in a vibrant community' and she lived that way until her passing.

Andrew Halikas called Tibbs his seatmate, noting her vacant chair beside his at the council table.

Hallikas says her passion for all things Fort Frances, the depth of her concern for all issues and knowledge and history of the community made her an invaluable member of council.

Tibbs served two separate terms, for a total of 16 years, separated by an unsuccessful bid for mayor in 2003.

Funeral services will be held Saturday.

Tug of War Proclamation Requested

The heads of state for Canada and United States are being asked to again recognize the Pulling For Peace Tug of War.

Fort Frances and International Falls councils want Prime Minister Harper and President Obama to declare July 2, the day of the event, Peaceful Borders Day in their communities.

Shawn Mason, International Falls Economic Development officer, says the ultimate goal is to get both leaders to participate in the unique event.

Harper signed a similar proclamation last year.

Area Liberals Prepare For Leadership Convention

Provincial Liberals from Kenora-Rainy River are happy with the response to first-ballot voting held on the weekend in advance of the upcoming leadership convention next week.

President of the Riding Association Anthony Leek says turnout to the vote was good, considering a storm stopped some from taking part.

Fourteen Liberals from the riding will travel to Toronto next week to participate in the convention.

Man Faces Child Pornography Charges

A Thunder Bay area man, who police say is also an early childhood educator, is facing serious charges including possession and distribution of Child Pornography.

Charges against 29-year-old Mark Lehtonen stem from a complaint from a young girl who told police someone possessed nude photos of her and of an extortion attempt.

Christmas Concert Nets $4,000 For Salvation Army

Cornell Farms Photo
The sale of a Christmas DVD and CD of local performers has netted over $4-thousand for the Salvation Army in Fort Frances.

It was recorded during a live performance last Fall.

Organizers says the disks will continue to be available with all proceeds going towards the charitable organization.

Ice Box Days This Week

Falls Chamber photo
Ice Box Days in International Falls goes this week.

The 33rd annual event starts tomorrow with its signature event, the Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard run scheduled for Saturday.

Falls Chamber Executive Director Faye Whitbeck says weather will determine who will participate in those runs, but is still hope to see at leaset 300 people.

The event is also getting some national coverage with a television crew visiting from The Travel Channel.

Man Charged In Accident

An area man will make a court appearance next month on drug and impaired driving charges in connection with a motor vehicle accident yesterday in Fort Frances.

OPP charged the 18-year-old from Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation after responding to the accident in the 400 block of Kings Highway shortly after 3 yesterday morning.

Question of the Week

A sharp increase in passport prices in Canada doesn't appear will have much of an impact with our listeners.

52 per cent of respondents to a question on our website say they have no choice but to pay the $120.00 charge when renewing their passport.

Just 20 per cent says they'll be discouraged to renew.

This week we ask if you think a move back to the waterfront is a good one for the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship.