Coroner's Inquest Set

A coroner's inquest into the death of a 27-year-old man in Thunder Bay will be held in October.

Bruce Moonias died in December 2006 in hospital following an incident involving both the Nishnawbe Aski Police and OPP.

Municipalities Asked For Help In Cancer Fight

The Canadian Cancer Society is looking for more municipal help in its fight against Cancer.

It wants to see more municipalities pass smoke-free bylaws.

The Society's Florentina Stancu-Soare says Fort Frances council decision to eliminate smoking from front entrances of municipal buildings is welcomed news.

The Society is also looking for municipal support in pending legislation that would restrict young people from using indoor tanning areas.

Border Guards Find Undeclared Weapon

A Texas man will be in court Monday after trying to bring a loaded gun into Canada at the Fort Frances border..

Canada Border Services officers discovered the loaded .38 revolver in a holster the man failed to declare during a check of a vehicle August 14.

He man is now facing several charges including smuggling.

Nurses Seek End To Poverty

An Ontario nurses group wants the provincial Liberals to do better on promises to end poverty.

The Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario has written to Premier Kathleen Wynne for measures they say will help thousand of families and individuals now struggling.

It includes
a hike in the minimum wage, reform of the social assistance system and better access to social housing.

Fort Frances Teen Wins Singing Contest

Young singers took to the stage at Smokey Bear Park in International Falls Thursday as part of a teen idol singing contest.

Dylan Ossachuk of Fort Frances took home top prize.

Holger Oleson was second with Tess Mellon claiming third prize.

New School Will Open On Time

A new school in Emo will open its doors to students as planned.

Work on the new site of the Sturgeon Creek Alternative Program is continuing.


While classrooms are ready for use, some areas, including the gym, won't be accessible until later this fall.

The Christian Parents Association of the Rainy River District says that won't disrupt classes for the approximately 100 students who will begin school as scheduled Tuesday.

Challenging Year For Summer jobs

A challenging year in the search by area students for summer employment in the Rainy River District.

NCDS in Fort Frances dealt with about 200 students looking for work.

Coordinator Tierza Keffer says in some cases, they were making multi visit in search for a second job in hopes of making more money and getting more hours.

Keffer says the downsizing at Resolute Forest Products was also factor in some students not returning and finding work where they are schooling.

CBS To Focus On Youth Next Clinic

The Canadian Blood Services wants more youth to become blood donors.

It will back in Fort Frances in October for another series of clinics.

Spokesperson Mike Choi says they will be greater efforts to get more youth involvement both as donors and volunteers.

Choi says attracting more young people is vital to ensuring a strong supply of blood in the future.

Youth Get Positive Tickets and iPods

Three youth are being rewarded for wearing their bicycle helmets this summer.

7-year-old Julia Sportak of Atikokan, 9-year-old Jesse Marschalk of Fort Frances and 9-year-old Kirsten Armstrong of Rainy River received new iPod Nanos.

OPP summer student, Jessica Coran, says they were among cyclists singled out.in their patrols.

Nearly 100 young cyclists received tickets for wearing their helmets that got them free ice cream and entry into a draw.

DSSAB Discusses Housing Plan in Atikokan

The Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board holds another public session on a new housing and homelessness plan.

It's this morning at the Atikokan General Hospital from 9:30 a.m. until noon.

The board say input will help them clarify Rainy River's housing needs and organize efforts to deal with homelessness.

More Forest Fires

Six new forest fires have sparked in Northwestern Ontario.

None are in the Rainy River district.

Most were lightning caused.

Northern Mayor Present Priorities To Government

The mayors of northern Ontario's largest cities are giving the provincial Government a piece of their mind.

They've presented seven members of Premier Wynn's cabinet a document entitled Northern Priorities.

It asks to focus on several key northern needs, including infrastructure, energy and a fair share of resource revenue.


The Mayors hope the document will provide a more strategic relationship between Ontario and the five largest Northern Ontario Cities.

More Candidates In Minnesota Election Races

A school teacher from Hibbing is throwing his name in the race for Minnesota governor.

Rob Farnsworth is the fifth person to seek the Republican endorsement to challenge Democratic incumbent Mark Dayton next year.

Meantime, another Republican has jumped into the race for the Minnesota U.S. Senate seat held by Democrat Al Franken.

St. Louis County Commissioner Chris Dahlberg joins three others also hoping to unseat Franken.

Cruisin' For A Cause Today

You can grab a bite to eat and help out a good cause today by stopping by A&W.

It's the fifth year for A&W's Cruisin for a Cause for the MS Society.

A dollar from every Teen Burger sold today will be donated to help end MS.

Food Drives Started As Part of Kraft Tour

Local food banks will benefit as a result of the upcoming Kraft Celebration Tour.

Two Fort Frances insurance companies are tying their window displays into food drives.

Causeway Insurance is hoping to fill its store front with Kraft food items.

Gillions' Insurance is also collecting non-perishable food items.

Both are having draws for those who donate.

Missing Man Pulled From Water

OPP have recovered the body of a missing man from Lake of the Woods.

52 year old Gary Dueck of Steinbach was paddle boarding Monday in the area of Pine Portage Bay when fell into the water and failed to resurface.

NOMA Happy With Minister Meetings

Some positives signs for Northwestern Ontario.

President of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association Dave Canfield says the Liberal government appears to more focused on the interests of our region.


Canfield's comments came after NOMA delegates meet with seven different cabinet ministers and PC leader Tim Hudak at this week's meeting of Ontario Municipalities in Ottawa.

Rickford OK With Prorogued Parliament

A Conservative MP calls it smart.

Kenora's Greg Rickford sees no problem with Prime Minister Stephen Harper deciding to prorogue parliament until mid-October.

The opposition is accusing the P-M of hiding from them and being afraid to answer questions about the Senate expense scandal.

New Sculpture Planned For International Falls

A new sculpture is expected to be on display in International Falls in the near future.

It was designed by a pair of students, selected in a contest run by the Northland Arts Society.

Member Denise Kulig says the nearly 7-foot structure will commemorate summer and feature an oversized beach ball, chair and sun.

A site for the sculpture has yet to be decided

Blood Donor Clinics Fall Short Of Goal

The Canadian Blood Services fell short on its goals, but is still pleased with the response it received at blood donor clinics in Fort Frances.

A total 250 people donated 210 units of blood over the past two days.

Spokesperson Mike Choi says they wanted 240 units, but hospital won't suffer as they expect the shortfall can be picked up at clinics elsewhere.

The blood collected is being tested before shipped for use at hospitals across Manitoba and northwestern Ontario.