Wild Childz Holds Car Show

Some of the best looking automobiles in the Borderland were on display at Fort Frances High School Friday.

The show was put on by the school's Wild Childz Car Club

Member Oryn Albanese says it's a relatively new club.

"What we're trying to do is get students to know about cars," says Albanese, "different types of engines in cars, what it takes to build an engine, how to manufacture them, making parts, fixing parts, all that sorts of things."

The students also designed and constructed the trophies handed out to the winners.

Pickets Up in Fort Frances

There's no strike in Fort Frances, but it didn't stop Canada Post's temporary workers from setting up an information picket in front of the post office yesterday.

Kim Kelly of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers says they're upset for being abruptly laid-off during the dispute.

"There's lot of work for them to do," says Kelly. "There's mail piling up inside but they've been sent home.

Kelly says the layoffs came without reason Tuesday while most workers were in the middle of their shifts.

Outside Help Sought

The town of Fort Frances has turned to an outside firm to help deal with AbitibiBowater's appeal of its property assessment.

It's signed a service agreement with Toronto-area based Municipal Tax Equity Consultants and MTE Paralegal Corp.

A hearing on AbitibiBowater's request to have its assessment, dating back to 2009, lowered has not been set.

Gas Price Caps Promised

Ontario New Democrats are promising to regulate gas prices if elected this fall so that drivers know what they will be paying from week to week.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath says she would set a weekly price cap on gasoline - a move she says should make gas cheaper on an annualized basis.

While consumers may not see the difference on a daily basis, Horwath says her plan will mean drivers won't wake up to huge price spikes if something happens overnight to drive up oil prices.

Market Thursdays a Hit

The Fort Frances Business Improvement Association's Market Thursdays is attracting the interest of a few artisans.

Jocelyn Matheson, a maker of homemade jewelry, was among the first to take advantage of the new summertime Market.

"It's a really good opportunity for local artists to showcase," says Matheson. "It's been a lot of fun. There's a real good sense of community. People are stopping and they're interested in what we're doing. It's been really great."

Portrait artist Lindsay Joy Hamilton says it's a great venue for local artisans.

"It's right downtown. Lots of exposure. Lots of great crafts and painters," says Hamilton. "It would be really nice to see all of the talent Fort Frances outside sharing their gifts with us."

It's the first year for the Markets that will run every Thursday outside the Fort Frances Museum.

Native Ed Funding Concerns

The Rainy River District School Board is asking the province to reconsider how it funds native education programs.

The Ministry of Education now requires at least twelve students to a program, up from eight.

The board's Aboriginal Education Leader, Brent Tookenay, says despite a large number of native students here, the Ministry doesn't count many of them toward the funding.

"With seven First Nations communities within the Rainy River District School Board, many of the board's pupils are considered non-resident pupils for funding purposes," says Tookenay, "and not recognized for the numbers to reach this funding benchmark.

Tookenay says the policy seems more beneficial to southern Ontario boards where there's a high number of urban-native students.

Outage Revised

Hydro One has revised the length to time some communites in the Rainy River district will be impacted by Sunday's power interruption.

Residents of Couchiching and Red Gut, as well as those in Farrington, Halkirk and Watten townships will be without electricity from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Residents in Burris, Crozier, Dance, Devlin, LaVallee, Lake Depair and Miscampbell will see outages from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and for a half hour beginning at 5 p.m.

A seven hour outage for the town of Fort Frances is still planned.

Market Thursdays Kick Off

The Fort Frances Downtown Business Improvement Association has kicked off its Market Thursday.

Chair Connie Cuthbertson says they'll happen throughout the summer in front of the Fort Frances Museum.

"So we're going to have some artisans, crafters," says Cuthbertson. "We're hoping to have even potters, musicians. Anything that you would like to have out there in the big world to sell, we're inviting people to come down to set up a little space and show your wares."

Those interested can register by calling Richard Boileau at McTaggarts.

The BIA is waiving the fees to register during the month of June.

Snow in June?

While southern Ontario perspired through a day of temperatures in the low-to mid-30s Wednesday, Pickle Lake residents almost had to grab their snow shovels.

Mayor Roy Hoffman, who works at the airport's weather station, says the temperature was down to about 2 C and big flakes were falling for a short period of time.

Postal Strike to Expand?

The Canada Post strike is starting to impact service in northwestern Ontario.

A member of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers in Dryden says mail delivery in some parts of that community has been cancelled.

The Crown Corporation has also reportedly cancelled employees' drug plan and vacations.

The official also indicates that job action is escalating and a full-scale strike could come as early as Monday.

Union officials in Fort Frances could not be reached for comment.

Social Housing Report

A report by the Ontario non-profit Housing Association says the wait times for people seeking social housing in the Rainy River district isn't as long as many other parts of the province.

It find seniors are waiting up to 30 days while low-income people or families are on waits lists for one to six months.

While the number on wait-lists has increased elsewhere, the Association indicates the number decreasing in the Rainy River since last year.

Early Learning Planning

The Rainy River District School Board will begin the process of preparing for early-learning programs at all of its schools by 2015.

The Board's education director Heather Campbell says it allows them time to determine how the program will be accommodated.

"Well the next step is looking at capital needs, looking at professional development for the early-learning teachers, developing partnerships and continuing our work with the daycares in provided extended day programs as we move out west," says Campbell.

The province gave the go-ahead last week for the program in schools not mentioned in previous announcements.

FedNor Private Member's Bill

A federal NDP MP is making another attempt to make Fednor an independent economic agency.

Claude Gravelle is tabling a private members bill this afternoon and is looking for the support of Conservatives in northern Ontario.

"If Fednor was an independent agency, it would benefit Mr. (Greg) Rickford and Mr. (Tony) Clement's riding and the riding held by the new Conservative in Nipissing," says Gravelle. "I don't know why they are stalling this bill."

Gravelle says the economy development agency should be free from political interference and control.

School Board Recognized Volunteers

(Cheryl Morrison accepts Volunteer of the year award from Board Chair Mike Lewis)


The Rainy River District School Board has recognized some of its school helpers.

Cheryl Morrison from Rainy River and Sheri and Darcy Bailey of Atikokan were honoured as the Board's volunteers of the year.

Morrison was cited for the development of a First Responder program at Rainy River High School.

The Baileys have been involved in North Star Community School’s Breakfast Snack Program.

Ted Menson, a driver for Mine Centre School students, was named Bus Driver of the year.

Outage Update

Hydro One has included more communities to its planned power outage Sunday.

Couchiching First Nation, Red Gut First Nation and residents in the townships of Farrington, Halkirk and Watten will be without electricity from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Several communities to the west of Fort Frances will also be without power from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and again from 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Fort Frances residents will be effected from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. as Hydro One makes upgrades to its transmission line.

Former Minnesota Man Faces Murder Charge

Koochiching County Sheriff's Office has arrested a man in Texas and charged him with second-degree murder in connection with the death of his wife back in Minnesota.

49-year-old Carl Chester Muggli, formerly of Ray, was taken into custody with the aid of local authorities in Stockdale.

He's to appear in Koochiching County court this week.

61-year-old Linda Muggli died last November.

Reports had indicated the well-known carver died when a totem pole she was working on rolled on her.

Safety Blitz Underway

The Ministry of Transportation has launched a three-day safety blitz for trucks and large vehicles.

Inspectors will assess their mechanical fitness and check whether loads are properly secured.

Unsafe vehicles will immediately be removed from the road.

Quest for Best Date Set

Quest for the Best will be back as part of this year's Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship.

The annual singing competition will be held the night of Wednesday July 19.

Performers can register by calling the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce office.

Seniors Seek Town Support

A group trying to get an assisted-living facility for seniors constructed in Fort Frances is turning to town council for support.

Robert Schultz, chair of Seniors and Law Enforcement Together, would like to see the project be a focus in the town's new strategic plan.

"We have an increasing seniors population in Fort Frances," says Schultz, "and we must ensure that seniors can remain in their community. There's only a so many spots in existing seniors complexes so assisted-living can play a role in this objective."

The group also wants to serve as a link between the town and its seniors and help promote the community to those considering a move here.

Riverside Honoured

Riverside Health Care Facilities has been recognized by Confederation College as its employer of the year.

Vice-president of Academic Judy Maundrell presented the award during Monday's Convocation ceremonies for graduating students at the College's Rainy River campus.

"Because they hire our graduates," says Maundrell. "In many different categories, they have always been a strong supporter of the programming and we're delighted to recognize them with this award."

It's the first time the College has presented its award to an organization in the Rainy River district.

Power Outage

There will be a significant power outage effectiving much of the Rainy River district.

Hydro One spokesperson Danielle Gauvin says it will occur this Sunday.

In Fort Frances, the residents will be without electricity from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Gauvin says outage is necessary to do upgrades to the utility's transmission line.

Ticket Sale Concerns

Residents in the Rainy River district are being warned about a company that trying to sell tickets to a hypnotist show coming to Fort Frances.

Pro-Production is claiming to be selling for Drug Education Alliance - Fort Frances.

But local authorities say it's actually for a Chatham-based organization and there's no such group here.

They add that despite company claims, there's no affiliation to the show by any organization in the Rainy River District or the OPP.

Road Closed

A section of Mowat Avenue in Fort Frances will be closed for much of this week starting Tuesday.

Union Gas will be installing a gas main in the 400 block.

Barricades are now up.

The road will remain closed until 4 p.m. Friday.

College President Honoured

The outgoing president of Confederation College has received a national award.

The Association of Canadian Community Colleges has awarded Pat Lang with a distinguished service award.

Lang was recognized for her work in doubling the number of apprenticeship opportunities for College students and creating new contract training opportunities in First Nation communities.

Relays Success in Northwestern Ontario

Relays for Life in Rainy River and Fort Frances are still a few weeks ago, but this past weekend, more than $250-thousand was raised in events elsewhere in northwestern Ontario for the Canadian Cancer Society.

Red Lake topped them all with $106-thousand.

Other relays were held in Dryden, Sioux Lookout and Ear Falls.

Another Sponsor for Bass Tournee

The Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship has secured another new sponsor for this year.

Badiuk Equipment continues a sponsorship started by the former Pinewood Sports.

The two companies amalgamated earlier this year.

Manitou Gold Adds More Property

Manitou Gold has added more property to its exploration activities in the Rainy River district.

The company is acquiring another 200 claims in the Upper and Lower Manitou Lakes area.

The company has been exploring the area for some time.

Soldi Resumes Work

Soldi Ventures has resumed its exploration program in the Rainy River district.

The company is exploring in an area around Cameron Lake near Nestor Falls and around the Rainy River Resources gold project, north of Barwick.

The B.C. based company says it will conduct prospecting, mapping and sampling of the areas over the next two months.

Search Continues

OPP say they still have not found any sign of an Ilinois man who's been missing on Lake of the Woods for the past two weeks.

Police began their search for 69-year-old Richard Herman after he and another man failed to return from fishing in the Morson area of the lake May 23.

The body of 73-year-old James Wealther, also of Illinois, was found the next day.

An OPP Dive team was brought in, but was unable to locate Herman.

Only a Marine Unit is still involved in the search.

Library Sale Discussed

Fort Frances council will discuss today the potential sale of the former Fort Frances Library building.

Councillors are doing so behind closed doors in advance of tonight's regular council meeting.

The Fort Frances Community Clinic and Evangelical Fellowship Church each submitted bids for the vacant building.

The Salvation Army had also expressed interest but did not submit a formal bid.

Strategic Plan Input Sought

Residents in Fort Frances will get an opportunity tonight to provide input into a new strategic plan for the community.

CAO Mark McCaig says the plan will serve as a blueprint for council over the next four years.

"This is an opportunity to get involved in the planning process," says McCaig, "and give some direction to Mayor and Council about initiatives or areas that the town should start moving in on a long-term basis."

McCaig says residents who don't attend tonight's meeting can still submit suggestions before the end of this week.

Local College Grads Get Diplomas

Graduating students from Confederation College's campus in Fort Frances will be honoured tonight.

Commencement ceremonies will be held for 49 students at the Townshend Theatre beginning at 5 p.m.

For the first time, the College will hand out its employer of the year award to a local business for its contributions to the school.

New School Opens

An official opening of the new Robert Moore School in Fort Frances was celebrated in Friday.

Principal Dianne Thompson says the school incorporates the latest in technology to assist in student learning.

"Things from Smartboards incorporated into every single classroom," says Thompson. "Computer labs on both floors, really incorporating where we are in this point in time and looking towards the future for the education of our students."

More than four hundred students have attended classes in the new school since September.

Forest Fire Watched

The Ministry of Natural Resources is monitoring a forest fire in Quetico Provincial Park.

The lighting caused fire in the southwest portion of the park was reported Saturday.

Since it's causing no concern, the MNR says the fire will be allowed to burn as it will benefit the area.

Postal Strike Underway

No pickets in Fort Frances, but Canada Post is now on strike.

Postal workers started walking the picket line late last night in Winnipeg -- the first city to be hit with the rotating strike.

Lisa Peterson, vice-president of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers Winnipeg local, says rotating strikes can grab Canada Post's attention.
The union is expected to respond later this morning to the Crown's Corporation latest offer.

Man Charged with Sexual Assault

A Fort Frances man facing a several sexual offences involving children.

OPP says 41-year-old Christopher Ernest Simmons was arrested after a May 19 search of his home turned up alleged images of child sexual abuse on computers and video devices.

He's also been accused of trying to obtain sexual services from someone under 18.

Missing Girls Ends up in Duluth

Officials won't say much about a missing southern Manitoba girl who took shelter in a parked freight train and woke up the next morning in Minnesota.

RCMP says the 16-year-old from Steinbach ended up in Duluth.

It's believed the train may have passed through border at Warroad, Rainy River and Fort Frances.

Weather Warning

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Sioux Narrows, Nestor Falls and Morson areas.

It's monitoring a line of strong to severe thunderstorms that's moving in from northwest Minnesota into southeast Manitoba and northwestern Ontario.

Heavy rainfall with strong damaging winds and local large hail is possible.

More Help to Alberta

More Ministry of Natural Resources personnel are being sent to Alberta.

One hundred and 27 firefighters and support staff are joining crews who have been in the western province for the past three weeks.

One air attack officer is also being assigned to assist the Northwest Territories.

Robert Moore Officially Opens

The Rainy River District School Board has waited to the near end of school to officially open the new Robert Moore School in Fort Frances.

The board will hold a three-hour event beginning at 11 a.m. today with a ribbon-cutting, bar-b-que and and student presentations.

College Grad

(Confederation College President Patricia Lang presenting award at 2010 College Commencement Ceremonies in Fort Frances)


Over 1,400 Confederation College students from across the northwest will graduate today at the College's main campus in Thunder Bay.

Students attending classes in Fort Frances will hold their ceremonies Monday.

Tourism Week Kick-Off

The Ontario Travel Information Centre in Fort Frances is kicking off Tourism Week.

An open house will go today from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. with cake being served to all visitors at noon.

Bev Noga says the centre is now fully staffed for the summer season.

"We've hired our summer staff," says Noga. "We're getting them all trained and ready to go for the summer. We're opening now from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week."

The Travel Centres across the province are also raffling off four tourism getaway packages to anyone who visits and signs-up between now and September 5.

Water Passes Through Fort Frances

A bucket of water taken from Hudson Bay is making its way to join buckets from four other bodies of water and dumped in Lake Superior.

The Mother Earth Water Walk reached Fort Frances Wednesday

Debbie Danard has been with the walk since its start in Churchill, Manitoba.

"As much as its raising awareness about the pollution or the caring of the water," says Danard, "what I also see is that it's showing also how we're caring for each other as human beings and that we're learning what the water is teaching us."

The water is expected to reach its final destination June 12.

Energy Project To Proceed

Work on a new geothermal energy system for the Fort Frances Curling Club will begin in August.

The club received a $250-thousand provincial grant for the project, but will have to cover the rest of the $560-thousand total cost.

Cheryl Gartley, a member of the building committee, says they have some ideas how that will be done.

"We're looking at a number of different ways to raise money," says Gartley. "One of the things we've discussed is the idea of offering debentures to members as a way of financing the project."

Gartley says the club expects to save more than $25-thousand annually in utility bills when the system is up and running by the end of this year.

Final Early Learning Programs Approved

(Rainy River District School Board photo)


The provincial government has given approval to area school boards to begin planning for full day kindergarten in 2013 and 2014.

Sturgeon Creek School in Chapple township, J.W. Walker in Fort Frances and Donald Young in Emo have been approved for the program beginning September 2013.

Crossroads in Devlin, Mine Centre School, Riverview in Rainy River, Nestor Falls School, McCrosson-Tovell School in Berglund and Our Lady of the Way School in Stratton will start a year later.

Legislation Adjourns Early

Opposition politicians are upset with the McGuinty Liberals after the government adjourned the legislature one day ahead of schedule.

New Democrat House Leader Peter Kormos says it shows the government's fear of having to defend themselves -- for even one more day.

Progressive Conservative House Leader John Yakabuski says there's no reason to prorogue the legislature, especially without any notice or explanation.

The Liberals say they have accomplished a lot over the session, and Ontarians should be focusing on the legislation that was passed, not on the exact day the House rises.

MPP's won't be back now until after the October election.

Cellphone Warnings Wanted

The NDP want warnings that come in cellphone booklets to be placed right on the phones themselves.

It follows word from the World Health Organization that cellphones and other wireless devices may put people at greater risk of cancer.

New Democrat Frances Gelinas says that should prompt governments to act.

Census Takers go Door-to-Door

Employees with Census Canada have started going door-to-door in the Rainy River district as part of this year's Census.

Those who have not completed the questionnaire, in paper form or on-line, can do so at the door.

All interviewers have an identification card that features their photo and census logo.

Water Walk Reaches Fort Frances

The Mother Earth Water Walk arrives in Fort Frances today.

Heidi Smith of the United Native Friendship Centre says its was first organized by Josephine Mandamin to bring awareness to the state of the world's water supplies.

The walkers will be celebrated at a community feast at Agency One land at noon.

Hydro Out

Some residents in the Rainy River district are without power this morning.

Hydro One says the outages effect about 250 residents in the west end of the district north of Emo.

Another outage near Atikokan has left less than 20 people in the dark.

Hydro One says power should be restored to all areas late this morning.

Access to Cellphone Records Denied

A provincial court has denied a Fort Frances agency access to the cellphone records of one of its employees.

Community Living Fort Frances and District had sought a so-called Norwich order as part of an investigation into whether a female employee had engaged in an inappropriate sexual relationship with a male client last fall.

In a decision released last month, the judge in the ruled the Association had failed to establish a legal right to the order.

The agency declined B-93's request for comment.

College Promotes Trades Programs

Confederation College is looking to entice more students from northwestern Ontario to its Trades and Aviation programs.

The College is visiting regional high schools over the next two weeks.

Recruitment intern Pam Lamba says those fields have many job prospects.

"So it only makes sense if we only promote that," says Lamba, "especially if some of the students want to stay close to home and not willing to move far away. This is a great opportunity to know what programs are even available in this area."

The College was at Fort Frances High School yesterday.

Canada Day Parade Participants Wanted

Registration for the Canada Day parade in Fort Frances is now being accepted.

This year’s theme is “Sing, Dance and March to the Music.” Groups, organizations, businesses and individuals are encouraged to show their Canadian pride through music and dance either as a float or as a demonstration while walking the route. Entrants from the United States are also welcome to participate and show their pride either for Canada or their home country.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three parade participants as selected by a panel of local judges. Judging will take place prior to the start of the parade.

Participants will again gather at AbitibiBowater’s Shevlin woodyard beginning at 10:00 a.m. for judging. They will then be led by the Ontario Provincial Police and Special Olympians down Front Street along Fort Frances’ beautiful waterfront beginning at 11:00 a.m. The parade will head in a westerly direction past LaVerendrye Hospital and ending at the municipal parking lot at Nelson Street behind St. Mary’s Church.

Members of the Canada Day Celebrations Committee will also be walking the route to solicit donations. Money money raised will go towards Canada Day events and the Fireworks display.

Coordinating this year’s parade will be Randy and Sally Thoms. Early registration before 4:00 PM June 30, 2011 is required to be eligible for the prizes. Call 807-274-5634 to register.

MP's Begin Work

Newly elected MP's get to work today with a resumption of Parliament.

They will first elect a new speaker in advance of Monday's budget.

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty says there are some changes in store in this fiscal document.

"It's the same sort of budget presented before the election," says Rafferty. "There are some promised cuts. Billions and billions of dollars in cuts. It will be interesting to see where those are."

The session is expected to last only a few weeks.

Bark Fire at Thunder Bay Mill

Firefighters are dealing with a stubborn bark pile fire at the AbitibiBowater mill in Thunder bay.

It started late yesterday afternoon, billowing thick smoke through nearby neighbourhoods.

A Ministry of Natural Resources waterbomber was called in for suppression efforts, but officials say it could be days before the fire is put out.

Injured Workers Concerns

The Ontario Federation of Labour is marking today as Injured Workers Day.

The OFL is using the day to highlight the injured workers who fall through the cracks in Ontario's workers' compensation coverage.

President Sid Ryan says many injured workers not protected through the Workplace Safety Insurance Board have to rely on social assistance.

Boating Accident

No injuries are being reported following the collision of two boats on Rainy Lake on the weekend.

It happened around 11 o'clock Sunday night in Frank's Bay.

Members of the Koochiching County Sheriff's office continue to investigate.

Baudette Likely Out of Running

It appears Baudette's attempts to become America's Ultimate Fishing Town will come up short.

The Minnesota town bordering Rainy River was third going into the final day of the World Fishing Network's on-line contest.

It was still 200,000 votes behind two New York communities yesterday.

The winner will be announced next week.

More Resources Needed to Keep Hospitals Clean

Hospital staff are calling on the health minister to provide more resources for cleaning and infection control in Ontario hospitals.

Studies suggest that hospital-acquired infections are killing up to five thousand Ontarians each year.

Sharon Richer of the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions says such deaths are preventable.

Curling Club Gets Funds

The Fort Frances Curling Club is getting a quarter of a million dollars from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund towards the installation of a new geothermal energy system.

The system proposes to use the marsh area around the facility to provide clean electricity and operate the club's heating and cooling system.

Cost of the project is estimated at about $560-thousand dollars.

The club has also applied for funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Road Work

There's going to be some road work in the Rainy Rainy River district this summer.

The Ministry of Transportation says 24 kilometres of Highway 11 between Devlin and Emo will receive new pavement as will a section of the Highway between Highway 619 and the Minnesota-Ontario border.

Work on both projects will begin in July.

Work on the Noden Causeway near Fort Frances will also resume with a section of the roadway reduced to one lane of traffic.