FITS Committee Seeks Help

(Left: Scott Turvey addressing town council for help with this year's Canada Day events)

A volunteer committee tasked with organizing Fun in the Sun and Canada Day Celebrations in Fort Frances is seeking some help from the town.

It's asking for ten thousand dollars for the fireworks display.

Committee member Scott Turvey says they can no longer do it by themselves.

"We struggle with a lack a lack of resources, lack of funding, lack of untapped fundraising ideas, lack of members, and a lack of new, fresh ideas and people to make that happen," says Turvey. "We have seriously contemplated folding for at least the last five years, if not more, and 2010 is no exception."

Turvey says much of its revenue in the past has come from fundraising and government grants, but that grant it has receive isn't known until the last minute.

Pay Hike Reviewed

A planned pay hike for members of Fort Frances council is going to get another look.

Mayor Roy Avis asked for the review in light of recent comments made by Premier Dalton McGuinty.

"The recommendation from the government is that our union employees have to take a hard look at maybe a two-year wage freeze at the end of their existing contracts," says Avis. "With that I'd like to see council recommend that it goes to the administration and finance committee for a review."

The increase in councillor salaries is schedule to take effect following this fall's municipal elections.

Bigger Legislature?

There could be another 18 members added to the Ontario legislature to match planned additions to the House of Commons.

Premier Dalton McGuinty says if the federal government moves ahead with 30 new Members of Parliament, he'll have to consider a similar move in Ontario.

NDP's Andrea Horwath says some of those new seats should be set up in northern Ontario.

More Fire Activity

A forest fire near Atikokan was among eight new fires that sprung up across the Ministry of Natural Resources West Fire region over the weekend.

The fire is classed as under control after burning about seven hectares.

The hazard in the Rainy River district is listed as moderate.

Volunteer Fair Planned

Organizations looking to attract new members are being invited to participate in a volunteer fair planned by the Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau.

Karen Mitchell says the April 26 event at the Fort Frances High School is aimed at showcasing local groups to area high school students.

"Anybody that needs volunteers for anything can set up a booth, their pamphlets and a sign-up sheet," says Mitchell. "There's a lot of students calling (the Bureau) for volunteer works for their hours at school and they're not getting any because they can't find anywhere to volunteer. You need 40 hours to graduate so this will help them too."

Organizations or groups interested are being asked to call the Volunteer Bureau before April 23.

Money Received

After learning last month they'd won a million dollars, ten employees with North Air Taxi in Fort Frances have now received their money.

The win was from an Encore draw from last year.

Company owner Paul Bock says the workers are using the money in a variety of ways.

"One lady gave it to her three children and kept $25-thousand for herself," says Bock. "Somebody else gave it to their grand kids for school. One fellow is buying a new truck and doing some home renovations. Another used it to pay off their all their debts and says its the first time they've been out of debt in 37 years."

Despite having a little extra spending money, all of the employees are still working.

Festival Results Day 1

The opening day of the Rainy River District Festival of the Arts brought three multiple winners in piano.

Abigail Lucke earned three first place finishes.

Anika Alexander also earned three firsts, one in a duet with Sara Bagacki.

Alexis Sharpe was a double winner.

Piano performances continue today the Townsend Theatre and tonight at Knox United

Church.FESTIVAL RESULTS, PIANO DIVISION, Monday, April 12, 2010

CLASS P1001

First – Christina Empey

CLASS P901

First – Meagan Empey
Second – Ursula Chojko-Bolec

CLASS P801
First – Alexis Sharp

CLASS P802
First – Alexis Sharp
Second – Caitlin Sande

CLASS P902
First – Ursula Chojko-Bolec
Second – Meagan Empey

CLASS P1703
First – Sara Bagacki and Anika Alexander
Second – Caitlin Hogan and Katilyn Chiasson

CLASS P1704
First – Chelsea Carlson and Rachel Lipinski
Second – (TIE) Cameo Harrison and Shane Beck tied with Meagan Empey and Christina Empey

CLASS P701
First – Anika Alexander
Second – Courtney Bethune

CLASS P702
First – Anika Alexander
Second – Katelyn Shortreed

CLASS P707
First – Audrey Chojko-Bolex
Second – Anika Alexander

CLASS P1404
First – Krista Emond

CLASS P1403
First – Raymond Polz

CLASS P001
First – Tori Anne Toriseva
Second – (TIE) Cassidy Martin and Jenaya DeBenetti

CLASS P011
First – Abigail Lucke
Second – (TIE) Naomi Carradice and Andrew Loney

CLASS P012
First – Naomi Carradice
Second – Abigail Lucke

CLASS P015
First – Abigail Lucke
Second – Naomi Carradice

CLASS P013
First – (TIE) Gemma Friesen and Sara Gamache

CLASS P023
First – Lemuel Carradice
Second – (TIE) Jenna Mack and Mika Kooistra

CLASS P014
First – Abigail Lucke
Second – Madison Krikke

CLASS P024
First – Macy Anderson
Second – (TIE) Jacob Gustafson, Conner Pocock and Jillian Armstrong