New Fees For Sunny Cove Camp

Fort Frances Council has given approval to a lower fee at  Sunny Cove Camp.

Groups wanting to use camp's facilities for only a few hours will be charged $75 for half day use or $125 for the full day.

The new fees were a recommendation of an advisory committee who suggested they may attract more users to the facility.

Dragon Boats Secure Funding

Organizers of a Dragon Boat Club in Fort Frances have secured funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says Northern Community Development Services is getting $52-thousand  to assist in the club's formation.

The club genesis comes out of two successful dragon boat festivals.

Student Run Business Gets Provincial Support

A Fort Frances student has launched his own company with help from a provincial program aimed at promoting youth entrepreneurship.

Tanner Bell is operating "Social Torch Media," a social-media based business, after his business proposal was accepted by the Summer Company program.

It's just one of three in the Kenora and Rainy River districts to be accepted.

Bell receives a grant to start his business and an additional bursary if it proves to be successful.

Firefly To Benefit From Foundation Gift

A regional children's agency is receiving some support from a Kenora-based foundation.

Firefly's board chair Jackie Mitchell says the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation has set up a 50-thousand dollar endowment fund to offer funding for various program.

Mitchell says donations towards the fund through the foundation can also be made as well.

Chares Laid In Weekend Stand Off

A Fort Frances man has now been charged in connection with a weekend stand-off with OPP.

33 year old Bobby Joe Wilson remains in custody until Friday after making a brief appearance in court today.

He was arrested after a 13-hour stand-off in Fort Frances ended peacefully

Police were dealing with a call outside a First Street East Home earlier that morning when they say a man refused to obey their orders and went inside where a gun was fired.

The incident forced the evacuation of residents nearby while additional OPP resources were brought in to help bring the situation.

First Nations Rally In Support Of Police

First Nations communities are rallying around the Treaty 3 Police Service.

The force says it will cease August 19 because of financial issues.

Public Service Alliance of Canada's Sharon DeSousa says they were shocked by the decision.

Petitions to keep the force alive are now circulating around communities effected with a rally planned in Kenora July 23.

Fire Crews Moved

MNR file photo

The lack of forest fire activity in the Rainy River district is allowing the Ministry of Natural Resources to move crews to where they're needed.

Crews from this region, as well as from Thunder Bay, Kenora and Dryden areas have been deployed to support their counterparts further north.

Over 40 fires are burning, mostly in the Red Lake, Sioux Lookout and Nipigon districts.

Help is also arriving from the MNR's northeastern regions.

Information Sharing At Border

Some of the information gathered from travelers at northwestern Ontario's border crossings in now being shared.

It's part of an initiative between the Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Program director Andrew Lawrence says it expands on a pilot program conducted at four borders last year and is aimed at improving security at the border

Lawrence says much of the data collected is already contained in documents such as a passport.

Traffic Disruption Today In Fort Frances

A reminder to motorists in Fort Frances.

A section of Second Street, between Central and Mowat Avenues, is being closed this morning as crews begin the first phase of installing new sewer and water pipes.

Traffic lights at Central and Second will also be shut off as well.

Detour signs have been posted.

TSN Personality To Be A Part Of Tour

Eleven days before you get your votes in to support the Fort Frances Curling Club's bid to be a part of the Kraft Celebration Tour.

TSN's Jennifer Hedger would be among those in Fort Frances when we beat Dryden July 19.

Hedger, who missed the last two tours, says they help show community pride, giving them a chance to show off on a national stage.

Hedger says she'd love to come to Fort Frances, but encourages people to get online and vote often to make it happen when the polls officially open.

Caramel Set To Travel

Fort Frances Library photo

Caramel has his bags packed and passport.

The Fort Frances Public Library's pet guinea pig is visiting area libraries as part of a summer reading program.

Chief Librarian Alicia Subnaik-Kilgour says it connect with the program's travel theme.

Caramel begins his travels this week to the Rainy River library with stopped later in Emo and Atikokan.

Union Deal Helps Resolute Plan For Restart

An agreement between Resolute Forest Products and the Communications Energy and Paperworkers Union will allow the company to restart an idled paper machine at its Fort Frances mill later this month.

Machine number 7 will run for two to three months beginning July 17.

CEP National Rep Stephen Boon says about 40 people, laid off earlier this year, will be asked to return.

He says the return will be voluntary and former workers who refuse won't be in fear of losing their severance or recall rights.

Boon says many workers who might be called back may have found new jobs and won't be able to return.


Boon says they are still hoping for some feedback from Resolute on what the long range plans are for the mill.

No Kid Pro Or Parade For Bass Tournament

2012 Kid Pro Winners

A lack of people to run them is to blame for the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship putting both the Kid Pro fishing tournament and Parade of Boats on hiatus this year.

The Kid Pro offered young people the chance to fish in a catch-and-release tournament style event with anglers competing in the main event.


President Gord Watson says there were angler concerns the event, held the Sunday before the main tournament, impacted on their ability to pre-fish.

But he says the main reason for it not going this year was the inability to find anyone to organize and run it.

Watson says similar issues faced the parade of boats.

The parade was last cancelled in 2009 because of a lack of interest from anglers.

Watson says if people step forward next year, both event could return.

Question of the Week

Will you miss the Kid Pro Fishing Tournament and Parade of Boats not taking place at this year's Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championships?

Let us know on our website 931theborder.ca.

In response to our last question, 67 per cent feel a need for a public nuisance by-law in Fort Frances.

Castin' For Cash Underway

Another bass fishing tournament gets underway this morning.

Sixty-three teams are competing in the Castin' for Cash Bass Tournament on Lake Despair.

Wayne and Pat Howard are the two-time defending champs.

Teams leave the docks this morning with first day weigh-ins at 4 p.m.

Lightning Blazing Up New Fires

MNR file photo

Multiple forest fire starts are beginning to put pressure on the Ministry of Natural Resources,

As many as 40 new fires have popped up in the past three days, all lightning caused.

One of the largest is about 40 kilometres northwest of Red Lake which has been mapped at 2,600 hectares as the result of several smaller fires joining as one.

None of the fires burning are in the Rainy River district.

Teddy Bear Picnic Today

FF Library photo

It's a Teddy Bear picnic at the Fort Frances Library today.

It begins at 11 a.m. and cost $3.00 per person.

Program director Andrea Avis says there will be a lot of activities for young children and their favourite bear to participate.

Dr. Elaine also returns to provide teddy bears in need.

Thunder Bay's Jim 'n' I will provide the day's musical entertainment.

People are welcome to bring blankets, lawn chairs and a picnic lunch, although there will be food sold on site.

And don't forget your favourite teddy bear.

Cold And Dry June In Borderland

It was a much colder and drier June in the Borderland.

The National Weather Service out of Duluth says the average temperature during the month in International Falls was about 15 C or 60.2 F  - about half a degree lower than normal.

Just 1.6 inches of rain were also recorded, more than two inches below the norm.

Acadia Buys New Station

Acadia Broadcasting is moving to add another radio station to its stable.

The parent company of  93.1 The Border has filed an application with the Canadian Radio Television and Telecommunications Commission to purchase CKNI-FM in Moncton, New Brunswick,

The Saint John based company currently owns ten stations across the Maritimes and northwestern Ontario.

from Rogers Broadcasting.

Target To Open In Thunder Bay Soon

Target will soon open its doors in northwestern Ontario.

The company has announced a July 16th opening of its store in Thunder Bay.

It will be located at the former Zeller's Store in Intercity Mall.

Fire Situation Heating Up

MNR file photo

All quiet here, but the forest fire situation elsewhere in northwestern Ontario is heating up.

Debbie MacLean of the Ministry of Natural Resources says five new fires were spotted yesterday, bringing to 40 the number active.

Most were lightning strikes from storms that had passed through the area several days ago.

MacLean says the hazard sits at high and could peak to extreme by the weekend.

Kidpro/Parade Gone From FFCBC

The Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship has released its schedule for this year's event with a couple of glaring omissions.

Both the Kidspro and Parade of Boat are not listed as events this year.

No explanation from the organizing committee as to why.

The Kidspro allowed young anglers to fish in a tournament style event with the pro angling teams.

The parade was last cancelled in 2009 due to a lack of interest from anglers.

Kraft Happy With Local Match Up

It wasn't easy, but Kraft Canada is happy with the communities selected vying to be a part of its Celebration Tour.

Fort Frances and Dryden were among the twenty selected out of 620 submissions.

Kraft's Promotions Manager Sue Brooks says their bids best meet the criteria to advance.

Brooks encourages the communities to promote themselves as best they can get to get out as many people on voting day July 19th.

The winning community will earn a $25-thousand cash reward and a chance to host TSN's broadcast of its Sportscentre program.

Kraft will also bring in a variety of activities

Fourth of July Celebrations In International Falls

Rainy Lake CVB photo

Today's a holiday for our American friends celebrating the Fourth of July.

Festivities in International Falls focus around Smokey Bear park with games, crafters, food vendors and music getting underway at 11 this morning.

The main parade through the downtown core will start at 1 p.m. with a theme Honouring the Backus Community Centre.

There is also a kiddie parade starting at 12:30 p.m.

The day ends with a fireworks display lit off from the Falls High School track at 10 p.m.

Dragon Boat Club Coming Together

The recent success of the dragon boat races in Fort Frances is leading to the development of a club.

It will get a kick off tonight at 5:30 p.m.at the Sorting Gap Marina

NDCS's Jenny Greenhalgh says they hope to bring in trainers to generate more interest and have the boat used more often.

It's also expect a club will help expand the now growing dragon boat festival.

Those interested are asked to contact NCDS.

Tea Time At The Museum

Tea continues to be served at the Fort Frances Museum.

The museum began serving tea and scones as part of the Fort Frances Business Improvement Association's Market Thursdays.

Curator Sherry George says it ties in with a current exhibit of fine bone china that has been donated by area residents.

George says the teas have been well received, helping to attract new people to the Museum.

By-elections Date Panned

Ontario's opposition parties are crying foul over the premier's chosen date for five upcoming by-elections.

Progressive Conservative Lisa McLeod say Kathleen Wynne is playing "dirty tricks'' by sending voters to the ballot box just before the August long weekend.

All five by-elections are in Liberal-held ridings which McLeod claims gives the incumbent party a huge advantage with experienced workers already on the ground.

USA Out Pulls Canada

Greg Coleman (r) with trophy

Advantage International Falls.

The Americans took every event in the annual Pulling For Peace Tug of War with Fort Frances.

While relishing in the win, Falls Mayor Bob Anderson says it's a great event for both sides of the border.

Fort Mayor Roy Avis says everyone worked hard for peace in both countries.

Celebrities Help Pull For Peace

Sarah Campbell photo

There were celebrities on both sides of the border involved in tug of war.

Former Ontario Strongman champion Luke Skaarup was among those on the rope for the Fort Frances celebrity team.

The Falls celebrity team was dominated by a number of former Minnesota Vikings.

Former punter and now broadcast Greg Coleman says the event was a great way to boost the pride of communities who've taken a hit economically with recent downsizing of their major employers.

U.S. Consulate General Visit

FFCC photo

Canada's U.S. Consulate General is in the area to take part this week's festivities both in Fort Frances and International Falls.

Jamshed Merchant says it's given him a good perspective of the relationships enjoyed by the two communities.

He says his participation in the tug of war showed him the closeness of Fort Frances with International Falls.

Merchant is also meeting with elected officials to discuss mutual concerns.

New Faces To Riverside Board

There are some new faces to Riverside Health Care's Board of Directors.

Janice Beazley of Fort Frances and Doug Robinson of Rainy River have been appointed to the board for three years teams.

Carol Hyatt, representing the Emo area, joins for a one year term.

Marlis Bruyere and Norma Elliott, who serves as vice-chair, also return to the health care system’s governing body.

Michelle Marinaro remains as Chair

Help With Technology Offered

Seniors struggling with their cellphone or e-reader can turn to the Fort Frances Public Library and Technology Centre for help.

The Library is hosting a tech boot camp each Wednesday this summer.

Cameron Penny will among staff ready to answer any question.

People can bring their devices and questions to the Library from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday afternoons until the end of August.

Moose Triggers Three Vehicle Accident

No injuries following an accident east of Atikokan involving three vehicles.

OPP says a vehicle first hit a moose on Highway 11 near Sapawe, early yesterday morning.

A second vehicle stopped to assist when a transport struck both vehicles causing one to burst into flames.

The highway was closed for a short period of time.

Busy Weekend For OPP

A busy long weekend for OPP officers in the Rainy River district.

Police responded to 105 calls.

It included an assault of a woman at home on Fourth Street in Fort Frances Saturday night.

A 35-year-old woman faces charges.

Police are also investigating three break-ins, two at garages of homes on Christie Avenue where alcohol and a bicycle were taken.

Another happened at a cabin on Murdock Lake where an outboard motor, a chainsaw and other tools were removed.

OPP also nabbed three area motorists for driving while impaired.

Smokey Sky Not Worrisome

MNR file photo

The Ministry of Natural Resources says local residents shouldn't be too concerned about smoke that has been drifting into some parts of northwestern Ontario over the weekend.

Hazy, smoky conditions were reported in several communities.

The MNR says the smoke is from forest fires that are burning in northern Manitoba and even the Northwest Territories.

Despite very hot, dry conditions over the weekend, the MNR says there was not much in the way of fire activity, but the hazard has jumped into the high to extreme range across the northwest.

Ontario Names Ring Of Fire Negotiator

Ontario is putting former Supreme Court of Canada Justice Frank Iacobucci in charge of negotiations in the Ring of Fire.

Iacobucci will represent the province's interests in negotiations with Mattawa Chiefs negotiator Bob Rae.

He'll also report directly to Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle.

Dragon Boat Festival Success

There was plenty of Canadian pride in the Rainy River District as area residents gathered to celebrate Canada's birthday.

In Fort Frances, many took in the Boundary Waters Dragon Boat Festival.

Organizer Jenny Greenhalgh is pleased how the event, now in its second years, has grown.

Thirteen teams participated, almost doubling last year's entries.


Greenhalgh says tremendous support from sponsors and volunteers also helped make the event a success.

Dragon Boat Winners

It was a team representing the Fort Frances Dental Centre that came out on top of the Dragon Boat Festival.

Spokesperson for Dragon's Breath Lindy Coile says it was a challenge from Gillon's Insurance that got them involved.

The team beat out Smokey's Bears,  team representing the Ministry of Natural Resources, in the final.

BP Royalties,  representing Boston Pizza, finished third overall.

Fort Frances Makes The Final 20

Fort Frances is into the finals of the Kraft Celebration Tour.

The town was selected to be among twenty communities to advance for the right to earn $25-thousand and a chance to host a segment of TSN's Sportscentre.

It was nominated on two separate bids by the Fort Frances Curling Club.

The town will go head-to-head with Dryden on July 19 in a public vote.

New Duties For Former Teacher

A former Fort Frances High School teacher now has some new duties.

Paul Elliot assumes the presidency of the Ontario Secondary Schools Teachers' Federation.

Elliot was elected to the post early this spring.

He's been on a leave of absence from teaching since elected to the OSSTF executive in 2005.

Stolen Vehicle Investigated

OPP are looking into the theft of a vehicle in Atikokan they believe was in an accident.

Police says the GMC half tonne was taken from a Mercury Avenue East Home early Friday morning.

The vehicle was returned, but brought back to a neighbour's yard with damage.

New Bus Touring Northwestern Ontario

Regional Cancer Care Northwest is hitting the road this month to showcase its new and improved bus.

Spokesperson Alison McMullen says the bus allows for screening for colon, breast and cervical cancer  to women 50-years of age and old in their own communities.

The bus begin its travels July 15 with stops in Dryden, Ear Falls and Red Lake.

New Administrator For Rainycrest

There will be a new administrator for Rainycrest Long-Term Care Home in Fort Frances.

Darryl Galusha will take over from Edith Bodnar July 15th.

He also becomes director responsible for Senior’s Services with Riverside Health Care Facilities.

Bodnar is retiring, but delayed her departure so Riverside could complete its hiring process.

Galusha is original from Fort Frances and is current an assistance administrator with the District of Kenora Home for the Aged.

Hydro Outages

A pair of power outages in the Rainy river district have been resolved.

One impacted about 446 Hydro One customers in the Mine Centre area.

Another 141 people in the Nestor Falls area were impacted in the second.

Power went out to both area earlier this morning.

MNR Watching Lightning Strikes

The Ministry of Natural Resources is watching closely storms passing through the Rainy River district.

The MNR says its lightning locator system recorded a high level of lightning strike activity with heavy concentrations around Atikokan.

The strikes are being monitored to see if they lead to any new forest fires.

There hasn't been a forest fire in the Rainy River district since early June.

Regional Partnership Recommendation For Agri-Food Sector

A new report recommendations a need for great regional partnerships in northern Ontario's agri-food sector.

The report by two Lakehead University researchers was done as part of a much larger review of farmers’ markets, co-ops and other sustainable food programs province wide.

Co-author of the northern Ontario report Mirella Stroink says greater collaboration would strengthen those groups who now struggle with issues around funding, marketing and administrative support.

The researchers also see a need for some policies that help improve access and marketing of foods found in the forest such blueberries and maple syrup.

Parade Welcoming More Entries

There's still time to get a float ready for this year's Canada Day parade in Fort Frances.

It's being organized by the Rainy River Future Development Corporation.

Student intern Nicole Mueller says they have about twenty entrants so far and will welcome more participants right up to Parade Day.


This year's theme "There's something in the Water" ties in with this year's Dragon Boat Festival.

Mall Days Today

A traffic note today in Fort Frances.

Sections of Scott Street will be shut down to accommodate the Fort Frances Downtown Business Improvement Association's Mall Days.

It happens along the 100, 200 and 300 blocks of Scott.

County Unemployment Rate Drops

The unemployment rate in Koochiching County has dropped.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development says May's rate fell to 9 per cent, more than a full percent from April.

It's also at its lowest level since last December as area employers made about 150 new hires.

Diapers Wanted

Koochiching County's Health Department is looking for diapers
.
The department provided diapers to people with young children in need, and needs help to restock its supplies.

Donations can be made at the Health Department's office located in the Forestland Annex.