Fort Frances Man Honoured

A Fort Frances man has been honoured by the provincial government.

Anthony Kadikoff received an Ontario Senior Achievement Award during a ceremony last week at Queen's Park for his work to improve the lives of the area's cancer patients.

"It's in recognition of the work I've done in the complete district since the start and promotion of Tamarack House funding," says Kadikoff, "which I was one of the leading fundraisers for. A home away from home for people with cancer when they go to Thunder Bay, they stay for free."

Kadikoff also serves as a board member with the Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre Foundation.

No Expansion of Smoking Ban

The Ontario government is snuffing out a recommendation to let landlords ban smoking in rental apartments.

The Tobacco Strategy Advisory Group wants Ontario to outlaw smoking in multi-residential rental units, on all restaurant patios and in all parks and playgrounds.

But Health Promotion Minister Margarett Best says they have already banned smoking in many public areas and do not want to make the law even tougher.

Chili Cook-Off Today

About twelve teams will be putting their best chili recipes to the test at today's Great Canadian Chili Cook-off put on by the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce.

The public is invited to attend the event that begins at 11:30 a.m at the Legion in Fort Frances to vote your favourite.

The event will also be used to collect food items as part of a Shaw Communication and Cambell's Canada campaign.

Border Incident Reported

A Rochester, Minnesota man faces charges following a bizarre incident that occurred at both area border crossings and ended with the man running naked across the bridge to Baudette.

A spokesperson with the Canada Border Services Agency says it happened last Wednesday when the 20-year-old man was about to enter the United States, first at International Falls and then later at Baudette, only to turn around and drive through Canada customs at both Fort Frances and Rainy River.

Officials say the man was arrested only after he returned to Rainy River custom office to ask for directions.

While in custody, the man reportedly removed his clothes and escaped through a window, running across the bridge to Baudette before U.S. authorities arrested him again.

The man was charged with assault and indecent exposure by Baudette city police, but no charges have yet been laid by Canadian authorities.

211 Service Now Available

(Marie Klassen, executive director of 211 North, speaking a launch of service in the Rainy River District)

211 service is now available in the Rainy River district.

It's a phone helpline that residents can call to access information on a variety of services and programs.

Trudy McCormick of the Northwest Community Legal Clinic says callers connect to a live person.

"During office hours during the daytime you'll get someone in Thunder Bay at the information and referral centre there," says McCormick. "After hours the number still works but it's forwarded to a call centre in Toronto because there isn't the need in the north yet to justify the funding for a 24-hour service."

More than 56,000 thousand agencies' data bases are connected to 211 with about 260 of them from the Rainy River district

Native Education Promoted

Teachers across the Rainy River district gathered at Fort Frances High School yesterday to learn more about the importance of using aboriginal languages in the classroom.

Anton Treuer, a professor at Bemidji University, says the ability to learn in their own language reduces the drop-out rate among native students.

"It goes to show that when kids learn their language and their culture, when they learn about themselves, that translates into positive self-esteem and academic excellence across the curriculum," says Treuer.

Treuer says it can also help bridge the gap between communities and races.

Emo Mayoral Candidates

This week, CFOB is looking at the mayoral races across the Rainy River district, and today we turn out attention to Emo.

Incumbent Ed Carlson says the need for expanded water and sewer treatment facilities is among a top priority.

"We're expecting definite growth in Emo," says Carlson, "hoping with Rainy River Resources. Even without that we still have to expand the water treatment in providing capacity and increase pressure and another cell in the lagoon as well."

Vince Sheppard is campaigning on a need for more openness at the council table.

"What I would like is to have the Ontario Ombudsman back as our investigator," says Sheppard. "We have our official plan that has to be reopened. It's been in place for fourteen years. It's supposed to redone every five years."

Carlson is seeking his second term as mayor while Sheppard is a newcomer to municipal politics.

Glow Sticks Made Available

(Grace Silander (l) of Safe Communities Rainy River and OPP Const. Anne McCoy prepare to distribute glow sticks to area schools)

Hundred of glow sticks are being made available to school children across the Rainy River district this week.

Grace Silander of Safe Communities Rainy River says it's a project spearheaded by the Family and Children Services Rainy River.

"There will be enough glow sticks for all of the students in the district," says Silander, "so that when they go out with their Halloween costumes on the glow stick will light up their costume so that people can see them and the drivers will be able to identify them."

The glow sticks will be distributed through schools, nurseries and day care centres as well as FACS offices.

Senior Achievement Award Given

An Atikokan resident is back home after received a Senior Achievement Award from the province in a ceremony last week in Toronto.

Vik Prokopchuk says he was honoured just being nominated by his community for such an award.

"Being nominated by my fellow citizens, really that's the highest honour I think can anyone can get," says Prokopchuk, "because the people know you know what you've done or didn't do."

Prokopchuk was recognized for his business and management experience that's benefited both Atikokan and northwestern Ontario.

Contact North Use Increases

Interest in distance education continues to grow in northern Ontario.

Contact North says over 23,000 people are using the network's services to access a variety of college and university courses in their own communities.

Vice-president of regional services Debby Sefton says that's a 50 per cent increase over last year.

"We're excited about the increase," says Sefton, "and we seems to have continual increases. I think a lot of it is attributed to the types of programs that are being offered by our educational partners."

The Fort Frances site has 268 registrants while Atikokan has over one hundred this year.

McGuinty in Attack Mode

Dalton McGuinty is moving into attack mode in the run up to next year's provincial election.

McGuinty told Liberals gathered in Toronto on the weekend that he'll be reminding voters about the legacy of Ontario's last Progressive Conservative government.

McGuinty said that legacy is one of closed hospitals, school strikes and fired water inspectors.

Atikokan Mayoral Candidates

This week B-93 is looking at the mayoral races in communities across the Rainy River district, beginning with Atikokan where two candidates seeking the top council seat.

Incumbent Dennis Brown, who's held the seat for the past 13 years says continuing to build Atikokan's economy remains key.

"We need jobs and we need to have the tax base," say Brown. "We're certainly emphasising working with initiatives that are already present and helping to move them forward in the days ahead."

Bob Davidson is challenging for the position and is putting a need to improve live for seniors high on his agenda.

"Seniors in Atikokan need the very best care we can provide for them," says Davidson. "If I'm elected, I'll be working pretty aggressively on things that make live a little better for them in Atikokan."

Davidson is a former two-term Reeve of the community.

Hallowe'en Costume Exchange Planned

A new Halloween costume exchange is being set up in the Rainy River district.

Organizer Sherri Putzer says the exchange allows parents to trade in old children's costumes for a different one.

"Those who can, they donate a costume," says Putzer, "and they receive a coupon to use at the costume exchange."

Used and slightly worn costumes can be dropped off at Best Start Hubs in Couchiching, Fort Frances, Rainy River, Stratton and Emo where the coupons for this Friday's and Saturday exchange at J.W. Walker School in Fort Frances will be issued.

Huffman School Sold

The town of Fort Frances is in the process of purchasing the former F.H. Huffman School.

It's paying about $155-thousand for the school which has been vacant since June.

C.A.O. Mark McCaig says the town sees a lot of strategic possibilities for the property, including the potential of new building lots, but no firm decisions have yet been made.

The deal is expected to close by the end of November.

Town Looks at Group Volunteer Recognition

(J.W. Walkers students in recent Great Canadian Shoreline Clean Up)

A Fort Frances councillor's request to recognize J.W. Walker School for its contributions to the community has lead to some debate on how the town honours volunteer groups and organizations.

Ken Perry says the school can't be nominated for the town's Citizen of the Year Award, but is deserving of some kind of recognition.

"The Citizen of the Year is still Citizen of the Year," says Perry. "I'm not trying to change that, but I think the school is a good citizen in the town of Fort Frances, but it is a group."

A council committee will look at how to honour the school, but councillor Andrew Hallikas says he'd like to see some kind of mechanism that gives other groups a chance to be recognized in the future.

Chronic Wasting Disease Studied

The Ministry of Natural Resources is conducting a study in northwestern Ontario this fall to see if there is any of Chronic Wasting Disease among deer.

Spokesperson Tore Buchanan says they're asking hunters to bring deer heads to select locations for testing.

"We're trying to collect about 460 samples from the northwest," says Buchanan. "That will give us a degree of confidence that the disease is not there if we don't detect it in any of those animals.

Depot have been set up in Nestor Falls, Emo and Fort Frances and will collect deer heads until the middle of December.

Wildlife on Roads

Police are warning motorists in northern Ontario that more wildlife are now on the roads.

October, November and December are one of the peak times for wildlife collisions since it is the mating and migration seasons.

School Dental Program Expands

A statewide preventative dental program is being expanded to several school in northern Minnesota.

Smiles Across Minnesota is being made available to young children attending schools in International Falls, South Koochiching-Rainy River and Littlefork-Big Falls.

The program allows them to access dental services, such as cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants – within the schools at no cost to the schools.

Rockin' for a Reason

Some International Falls area residents will be Rockin' for a Reason in the fight against breast cancer.

Event coordinator Susie Best says more than fifty people have already taken up the challenge in the event that happens tomorrow at Ballan Furniture.

"They go out, raise pledges and then contact me to set up an hour," says Best. "They just rock for one hour in the comfort or a rocking chair at Ballan Furniture while sipping on gourmet coffee. It's not that torturous."

Over 23-thousand dollars have been raised since the event started five years ago with proceeds going to the Rainy Lake Medical Centre.

Drilling Program Expanded

A mining company doing exploration work north of Barwick is expanding its drilling program.

Bayfield Ventures will drill 50-thousand metres on land adjacent to Rainy River Resources gold project.

That more than doubles the program it started back in May.

The company says the drilling will continue year-round.

Healthy Workplaces

The Northwestern Health Unit is recognizing national Healthy Workplace Month.

Spokesperson Jessica Brown says they're encouraging workplaces to get involved in workplace health promotion.

"When employees are supported at work to make health choices, it not only saves our health care system resources, but also increases job satisfaction, reduces absenteeism and improves efficiencies," says Brown.

Brown says business owners can access a number of services through the Health Unit.

Chamber Joins Food Bank Campaign

The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce has new sponsor for its Chili Cook-Off.

Manager Anthony Mason says Shaw Communication will contribute to the event while the Chamber aids in the cable company's and Campbell Canada's "Fill the Food Banks" Campaign

"This is the first time that we've had anyone donate money," says Mason. "It will go towards advertising so we can get the word out that Shaw and Campbell's are going to be helping us out to raise food for the food banks."

Mason says they'll have bins at next Wednesday's event and at its Scott Street office for people to bring non-perishable food items.

Rafferty Town Halls

Another series of town hall meetings for Thunder Bay-Rainy River M-P John Rafferty.

Rafferty says he's using part of the meetings to help people access to a federal tax credit.

"The first hour, 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. , is going to be a workshop," says Rafferty, "a federal disability tax credit workshop. If they are interested and think they might qualify for that, I will guide them through the application process."

Rafferty has sessions planned Thursday night at the Emo Legion, Friday night at Atikokan Pioneer Centre and Saturday in Thunder Bay.

Precribed Burn Planned

The Ministry of Natural Resources is planning to conduct a prescribed burn Friday northwest of Atikokan.

The 112 hectare burn will be in an area of blowdown forest within the Turtle River-White Otter Provincial Park.

The area is part of a large swath of forest damaged by huge winds in 2007.

Ministry officials says the burn is part of a research project to determine how fire reacts in the blowdown.

Breath Health Program Celebrated

A program that helps women in the Rainy River district with early detection of breast cancer is celebrating a milestone.

The Riverside Breast Health Program was the first of its kind when it started in 1985.

Eva Thornton, one of the program's founders, feels it has saved many lives since.

"Before 25 years ago, most women died of breast cancer," says Thornton. "By learning the methods of early detection of breast cancer, women now do survive far more than they did 25 years ago."

Thornton says the LaVerendrye Hospital Auxiliary was among those that helped with its fundraising efforts for operations early on and a new mammography unit in 1987.

Emergency Response Strategies Reviewed

Emergency officials from the Fort Frances and International Falls areas are looking at the issues that could impair their ability to provide cross-border aid in the future.

Fort France Fire Chief Gerry Armstrong says they want to ensure that help they now provide continues in the unlikely event an emergency restricts travel across the border.

"There could be a flu epidemic of some sort where border issues may become a concern," says Armstrong, "to the point where the border could be closed. The intent of the committee is to address some of these things where we still have the opportunity to share resources if we have to."

Armstrong says a steering committee has been formed, but it could be several months before their work is completed.

Seniors Honoured

Two Rainy River district seniors are being honoured today at Queen's Park for their contributions to the area.

Anthony Kadikoff of Fort Frances and Vic Prokopchuk of Atikokan are among twenty seniors from across the province receiving Ontario Senior Achievement Awards from Lieutenant-Governor David Onley.

The Awards are the province's highest recognition for seniors and are given annually to residents over the age of 65 who have made significant contributions to their communities through voluntary or professional activities.

Multi-Unit Building Opposed

Plans to construct a multi-unit residential complex in Fort Frances' north end is facing some opposition.

The Fort Frances Native Urban Wahkaihganun Corporation proposes a 10-unit complex on Eighth Street at York Avenue.

But resident Herman Pruys says building close to AbitibiBowater's lagoon should be cause of concern.

"We have had a few environmental issues including odour problems and foam blowing off the surfaces of the pond over the years," says Pruys. "An upset in the mill process can create a problem at any time."

Pruys says if it needs to be constructed, the complex should go on Webster Avenue where other multi-unit complexes exist.

Council Salaries Increasing

Fort Frances town councillors will earn their first pay increase in seven year this December.

Councillors voted last night to rescind a 2-year delay on increases approved earlier this year.

Andrew Hallikas was the only councillor to oppose the move.

"I think this council is under paid and there should be a raise," says Hallikas, "but since our rational was good originally, to me our rational is still good. I don't think anything has changed."

Council delayed the increases in April after the Premier asked municipalities to hold the line on wage increases due to the economy.

Falls Candidates Debate

Some of the candidates campaigning in the International Falls area in this November's elections had a chance to outline their platforms last night.

About 20 of the 35 candidates participated at a public forum at Rainy River Community College.

Taxes, relations between International Falls and Koochiching County, and economic development were among issues arising from the meeting.

Emo Candidates Forum Tonight

Candidates seeking election this month's municipal elections in Emo will share their visions for the community at a public forum tonight at the Emo Legion.

The moderated forum is sponsored by the Emo Chamber of Commerce and begins at 6:30 p.m.

Advanced Polls Open in Atikokan

The first of two advanced polls for this month's municipal elections in Atikokan takes place today.

The poll at the Atikokan Municipal office goes from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Another advanced poll will take place Saturday.

Fort Frances Man in Car Commercial

A Fort Frances man is hoping his appearance in a recent Mazda commercial will help advance his career.

Roy Tighe appears in the commercial that has been airing since August.

Speaking from Los Angeles, Tighe says he was supposed to be in a different car ad.

"The first commercial I booked was with Mercedes," says Tighe. "Four hours before we filmed it they replaced me. I just kept going to auditions and all of a sudden I got an audition for this one."

Tighe says he's using the money to fund a documentary about comedian Richard Lett he's hoping to debut at film festivals next year.

Multi-Unit Complex Proposed

Residents in Fort Frances will get an opportunity to comment on an native organization's plans to construct a 10-unit residential complex in Fort Frances' north end.

Fort Frances Native Urban Wahkaihganun Corporation is proposing the building on Eight Street at York Avenue and is seeking a zoning-by-law amendment to permit construction.

A public meeting on the amendment is to be held as part of Tuesday tonight's town council meeting.

Fire Chief Hiring

Rainy River town council will sit down Tuesday tonight to discuss the hiring of a fire chief that could over see two other area fire departments.

Rainy River, along with Dawson and Lake of the Woods townships have been examining the idea of a joint fire department to help them deal with provincial regulations and guidelines.

Municipalities agreed to advertise for the position back in June.

Man Arrested in Drug Store Break-ins

A 22-year-old man faces several charges following a pair of break-ins at the Emo Drug Store.

Michael Cochrane of Mitannjigaming First Nation was arrested last week after OPP responded to an alarm at the store to find the front door broken and several different types of prescription drugs had been taken.

Further investigation revealed Cochrane has also been involved in a break-in at same drug store back in August.

Symposium Spots Still Open

Only a few spots are open for an Ontario Provincial Police symposium for women interested in a career in policing.

It happens this Saturday at the Fort France Library and Technology Centre.

To register, call the Fort Frances detachment at 274-3322

Fill the Food Banks

Shaw Communications, Campbell Canada and Canada Safeway are working to "Fill the Food Banks" this fall.

It's part of an campaign that aims to collect a million pounds of food for food banks across Canada by November 15.

In Fort Frances, drop-off bins have been set up at Shaw's retail outlet, the Fort Frances Public Library, The Place, Family and Children Services Rainy River and Robert Moore School.

Lobby Scandal at Queen's Park

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton is doubting the sincerity of the McGuinty Government over its attempts to crack down on the use of public money for lobbyists.

Hampton says the most recent information his party has received shows that former lobbyists are now part of the Liberal government.

"I think people would be shocked to learn that some of the health care budget is actually being spent on insider lobbyists who worked inside the Premier's office," says Hampton. "That money should be going to health care."

Hampton believes the message government has been sending out is - to get access to cabinet ministers, you need to hire a lobbyist.

Pay Raise Discussed

Fort Frances town councillors may reconsider a freeze on their pay, agreed to back in April.

Councillors are to discuss the issue during their meeting Tuesday tonight.

They initially approved an increase, the first in seven years, effective this December, but later delayed it for two years in response to Premier Dalton McGuinty's request that municipalities follow the province's lead in holding the line on salaries.

But Mayor Roy Avis notes the province hasn't even followed their own wage increase guidelines

Councillors had also hoped they've move would lead to town workers agreeing to a wage freeze during this year's contract negotiations.

Fort Frances Airport Discussed

Another community in the Rainy River district will debate the merits of contributing to the Fort Frances Municipal Airport.

Rainy River town councillors will discuss a motion Monday night that could see the town participating in a review of a governance and operations policy toward turning the airport into a regional one.

Fort Frances first floated the idea in September.

Atikokan, which operates its own airport, does not support the proposal.

New Forest Fires Reported

Recent warm weather, and human carelessness, lead to eight new forest fires popping up across northwestern Ontario last week.

Two were in the Rainy River district.

One small fire near Pipestone Lake was extinguished by Ministry of Natural Resources fire crews.

Another, on the west boundary of Quetico Provincial Park, was being allowed to burn out.

Five of the eight fires were human caused.

Promotions Group Expands

A entertainment promotions company with roots in Fort Frances is reorganizing.

Owner of Wildfire Music, Adam Armit, says a change in direction led to him to form a new company called Go Live Entertainment.

"We started as a d-j service in 2003," says Armit. "We've grown to have music promotions and a talent agency which turned out to be my favourite part of the company. We've decided in order to grow the company in the way it was headed we needed to re-brand and basically start a new company with a new corporate structure."

Armit says the new company will allow him to bring music acts to communities across the province as well as to Fort Frances.

Fort Frances Doc Retires

Community members and medical professionals gathered to bid Doctor Angus MacIntosh best wishes on his retirement Friday.

MacIntosh ends 39 years of medical practice in Fort Frances.

In his speech to the crowd, MacIntosh thanked all those he'd worked with and patients he helped.

"I've enjoyed the work," says MacIntosh. "I think obstetrics is the most emotional rewarding of the specialties and I've derived a great deal of pleasure and emotional reward from it."

It estimated Dr. Mac delivered more than ten-thousand babies during his career.

Rainy River Resources Seek Key Permits

Rainy River Resources is hoping for some key permits that advances its exploration program north of Barwick.

Kyle Stanfield, Director of Environment and Sustainability, says the company is in a position to submit its applications very soon.

"We anticipate to submit what is called a closure plan to the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry by the end of the year," says Stanfield, "and we'll have our permits in place by early 2011. Then we'll be kick starting to go underground to really have a closure look at those rocks and understand the resource better and prove it up."

Stanfield doesn't anticipate any difficulty in securing those permits.

The company has also opened a new office in Emo that will allow resident to get more information about its exploration activities and submit resumes for jobs when they come open.

User Fees Examined

Fort Frances town councillors gave some thoughts on what user fees may look like in 2011.

No final figures were discussed at a meeting yesterday, but Mayor Roy Avis says he doesn't want to see any increase to be significant.

"I think with the HST coming in this year which has been a shell shock for alot of people on the fees that they're pay," says Avis, "the overall cost to live in this community and with the uncertainties with what's happening, I think we should look at a cost of living adjustment."

Other councillors want to see any increase have more emphasis on non-resident fees.

Councillors will take a more detailed look at the fees in the coming weeks.

New Instruments for Fort Music Department

Fort Frances High School is getting some new instruments for its music department.

The school was the recipient of a $10-thousand Band-Aid grant from MusiCounts, a music education charity associated with The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.

Music Director Lisa Loney says the grant was a welcomed surprise.

"I have to say we were very surprised," says Loney, "just because it's a very difficult grant to get and there's a lot of steps you have to go through to get it. We did all the right things and I guess if you do all the right things, good things can come your way.

Loney says hope to take delivery of the seven new instruments in time for use at a concert in December.

Fugutive Arrested

A fugitive with Hell's Angels connections is now in custody in Thunder Bay.

46-year-old Paul Douglas Gallagher was wanted on a Canada wide warrant for parole violation.

RCMP say Gallagher had been in the city for several days before arrested Wednesday without incident.

New Aircraft for Wasaya

Wasaya Airlines is expanding.

The Thunder Bay-based First Nations owned company has added a Bombardier Dash 8 to it's fleet.

The new aircraft will be used to fly Goldcorp workers to it's Musselwhite mine site.

Operation Christmas Child Underway

Residents across the Rainy River district are being asked once again to collect items for children in under-developed countries.

Local coordinator Della McQuaker says Operation Christmas Child is now underway.

"Operation Christmas Child is where we have the opportunity to fill up shoe boxes or any other type of box or pack sacks," says McQuaker, "with gifts, toys, hygiene products, school items that we can give to children aboard that are being serviced through Samaritan's Purse."

Boxes can now be picked up at Bethel Bapist Church, Northland Basics and The Bargain Store in Fort Frances, Tompkins Hardware and Calvary Baptist Church in Emo and Trinity Lutheran in Bergland.

The box must be returned during the week of November 14.

Fall Fire Safety Event

(Safe Communities Rainy River photo)

Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Service will close out Fire Prevention Week with its annual Fall Fire Safety Event at Canadian Tire.

Fire Safety Specialist Wayne Riches says tomorrow's event goes from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

"We've got lots of giveaways for the kids," says Riches. "We've got some draws for some really good prizes. We've got a lot of our staff there, both volunteer and full-time, with a few different fire trucks. We'll be able to answer any questions that the kids or adults may have so a little something for everyone."

Riches says it will also a good time to check your smoke alarms to ensure they're working properly.

Comfort Care Room Opens

(Ribbon Cutting of new Comfort Care Room)

Riverside Healthcare Facilities has opened a new comfort care room at LaVerendrye Hospital in Fort Frances.

Executive Vice-president Lori Maki says the room, located on the hospital's second floor, is intended to provide comfort to patients suffering with an illness and nearing their end of life.

"A part of the problem in the past has been our rooms aren't been that large," says Maki, "so we can't accommodate families overnight, 24 hours around the clock. The highlight of this particular room is that we have t.v., VCR, fire place, a lot of other amenities. It's decorated in a comfortable home-like environment."

The room was furnished through a variety of donations.

160 Over 50 Challenge

The Ontario Breast Screening Program wants to see 160 women over the age of 50 on Monday October 18.

It's the second year for the 12 hour drop in breast screening day in northwestern Ontario.

Manager of Cancer Screening Lori Della Vedova says there are some perks to getting your breasts checked.

"We know that some women are not aware of our program," says Della Vedova. "It's an awareness opportunity for us to let women know that if they're over the age of 50 with no breast problems or breast cancer they can get screened every two years simply making an appointment themselves. You don't have to go through a family physician."

New clients who participate in the challenge will receive a free "Thingamaboob" and be entered into a draw for a 50 dollar gift card.

Teen Smoking Bill Opposed

The Ontario government plans to stub out a Conservative private member's bill that would make it illegal for teens to buy or possess tobacco products.

Health Promotion Minister Margarett Best says the Liberals don't want to make criminals out of teens who smoke.

Conservative MPP Gerry Martiniuk says it should be illegal for people under 19 to possess or consume tobacco products, not just illegal to sell cigarettes to teens.

Money Workshops Planned

Programs to help individuals with money matters will soon be available to residents in the Rainy River district.

Fort Frances-based NCDS will help carry out programs for the Social and Enterprise Development Innovation, a national non-profit organization.

Manager of its Transitions Centre Cathy Emes says a number of sessions will take place.

"There's a session on budgeting," says Emes. There's a session on credit. There's a session on credit ratings and credit reports and things like that."

The first workshop happens at the Centre next week.

Keep Your Eyes on the Road

Provincial police are urging drivers to keep their eyes on the road and to put down that cellphone.

OPP have laid more than 5,100 distracted driving charges since February.

It's been illegal to drive while talking or texting using a handheld device since then and violators face a 155-dollar ticket.

Baudette Fire Remembered

(Minnesota Historical Society photo)

A massive forest fire that destroyed the city of Baudette one hundred years ago, leaving more than forty dead and thousands homeless will be remembered during events starting today.

Marlys Hirst, executive director of the Lake of the Woods Historical Society Museum, says they will start festivities with a sounding of the fire alarms tonight.

"At 6 o'clock the sirens will sound in Baudette," says Hirst. "Then there will be a fire truck procession down Main Street. That is a combination of old and new fire trucks from surrounding towns as well as Baudette. They include the Forestry department and fire departments."

The parade will include 100-year-old Helga Smith, the only known survivor of the fire, as the Grand Marshall.