Moffat Money Distributed Tonight

CFOB-News file photo

Several groups in Fort Frances will benefit from funding from the Moffat Foundation.

Fort Frances Mayor Roy Avis is expected to dole out over $37-thousand to nine different organizations as tonight's meeting of council.

Salvation Army, Northern Community Development Services and its dragon boat festival and Safe Communities Rainy River are some of the benefactors.

Most Like New Duty Free Limits

A new survey suggests Canadians are in a U.S. shopping state of mind this summer thanks to changes in regulations that allow them to buy more without paying duty.

A majority favour the changes that went into effect June 1st while just over half planning trips south of the border say they intend to spend more.

The Retail Council of Canada says the increases are just one more blow to merchants who must compete with U.S. competitors that often get a better deal from suppliers.

Solar Energy Interest Grows

Pine River Solar photo

Rising electricity costs is making solar power an attractive buy for some in the Rainy River district.

Pine River Solar is among local companies helping people get involved with the province's Feed-in-Tariff program.


Co-owner Jurgen Schmutz says interest is growing.

A lack of capacity has restricted the ability for more projects in the west end, but it's not prohibiting residents in Fort Frances and elsewhere from taking advantage.

No Forest Fires In District

MNR file photo

The recent wet weather is helping keep forest fire activity to a minimum.

The Ministry of Natural Resources is reporting 7 fires in the northwest Region, none in the Rainy River district, and none causing any problems.

The weather forecast for warmer weather is driving the fire hazard to moderate and high levels in our area.

Search Suspended

The U.S. Air Force and Civil Air Patrol are suspending the search for a Twin Cities pilot and his plane that went missing two weeks ago over northeastern Minnesota.

Mike Bratlie left a South St. Paul airport in his Piper Navajo June 8th bound for Duluth.

He made his last radar contact in the Silver Bay area.

No sight of the plane has been found.

Beware of Ticks

Summer is here, which means it's time to protect yourself from Lyme Disease.

It is transferred by deer or moose ticks which latch on to human flesh.

Northwestern Health Unit's Kurtis Casey says they are interested in those insects.

The Health Unit's offices have kits that have tweezers and id kits that can be returned for testing.

There are currently no known cases of anyone contracting Lyme Disease in our area.

Win-Loss On Fort Frances Medical Front

Dr. Saliba (l) in 2010

Fort Frances is gaining a surgeon, but losing a family physician.

The town's Physician Recruitment Committee says Doctor Bahram Shahi, who's been working temporarily at LaVerendrye Hospital for the past two months, has agreed to move here permanently from Glasgow, Nova Scotia.

He'll begin full-time in August.

The Committee is also confirming Doctor Cynthia Saliba will be leaving Fort Frances in August

Saliba has been working out of the Fort Frances Clinic since 2010.

No reason for her departure was given.

First Nations Looking For End to Park Case

First Nations says they're confident a ruling over issues surround Agency One lands will side in their favour.

The area, commonly referred to as Pither's Point Park, has been subject of much legal wrangling over ownership and compensation.

Couchiching Chief Chuck McPherson would like an quick end,


While a 99-year-old lease expired four years ago, the Court has allowed Fort Frances to continue operating the area as a park until the issue of ownership was resolved.

Slow Down On 8th Street

Complaints about the speeds of vehicles using Eight Street in Fort Frances have prompted warnings from the OPP.

Police says they've made companies in the area aware of the complaints and asked them to remind their employees to watch their speed.

OPP are also conducting radar patrol along the road.

Tip Helps Nab Motorist

OPP says a tip led them to charging a woman from Couchiching First Nation for driving without a licence.

Police tracked down the 27-year-old Monday after being informed she was on her way to Fort Frances.

She now faces the threat of paying penalties of over $300 if convicted.

Animal Cruelty Near Dryden

A case of animal cruelty in the Dryden area.

Police say four dogs in Wainright township were poisoned.

Two of the dogs died.

Canada Day Window Display

Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce wants local businesses to show their Canadian pride.

Manager Anthony Mason says they're again looking for the best-dressed window display.

Mason says the theme of the Parade, the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, should be a part of the display.

Prizes will be awarded June 29th for the most royal, the most Canadian and the funniest.

Question of the Week

Little support for MPs who spent 24 hours voting on amendments to the federal budget recently.

80 per cent of respondents to our on-line poll question didn't see it as a good use of MP's time.

This week, do you think provincial New Democrats were right in abstaining from the budget vote to avoid a provincial election.

Let us know on our website 931theborder.ca.

Atikokan H.S. Grad Tonight

The final high school graduation ceremony this week in the Rainy River district goes tonight.


30 students from Atikokan High School will receive their diplomas at ceremonies taking place at Grayson Hall beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Drug Charge Laid

A Fort Frances man will answer to a charge of drug possession before a court Judge next month.

The 29-year-old was charged Sunday after OPP stopped a vehicle on Highway 11 just east of town.

The discovery of 18-and-half percocet pills led to his arrest.

Fishing Center Opens

A big celebration in Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls.

It's Northern Ontario Sports Fishing Center is officially open.

Mayor Bill Thompson says it will serve as the community's tourism center.

The complex includes fishing exhibits, interactive display with seminars and workshops around fishing also planned.

Dragon Boat Festival A Go

The first ever Dragon Boat Festival in Fort Frances is a go.

More teams are still being sought for the Boundary Waters Dragon Boat Festival, but spokesperson Jenny Greenhalgh says some key financial support from Gillon's Insurance is allowing the July 1st event to proceed.

The town of Fort Frances is also offering help if necessary.

Greenhalgh says they have nine teams so far, but would like to see at least another three sign up by next week.

Budget Passes

A summer election in Ontario has been averted with the passage of the minority government's budget.

Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro says is relieved.

Right up until the vote, the Liberals said they could not trust the New Democrats to keep their word and let the budget pass.


But the NDP kept its promise by abstaining from the vote.

Tourism Centres Officially Closed

Tourism in northwestern Ontario is taking a hit with the budget's passing.

Tourism Centres in Kenora, Rainy River and Fort Frances are officially closed.

Conservative critic Vic Fedeli says it's disappointing.

He adds there was no attempt by the NDP to bring forward amendments to have the closure decision removed from the budget.

Fedeli adds the budget does little for job creation despite Liberal claims.

Walk of Solidarity

Several area First Nations are using National Aboriginal Day to draw attention to issues around the area known as Agency 1.

First Nations are hold a Walk in Solidarity, beginning this morning at the west end of the town, ending at Pither's Point Park.

The area, which includes the Park, has been the focal point of ongoing legal challenges.