Movie Gallery to Close

The last remaining movie rental store in Fort Frances is closing.

Movie Gallery Canada says its Scott Street location is among 131 stores across Canada that will be shutdown by the end of July.

Company officials say the move is prompted by strong competition in the video rental market from cable providers, Internet and subscription-based mail delivery services.

The local store has stopped renting movies and is in the process of liquidating its remaining inventory.

Rainy River Relay for Life a Success

Organizers of the first ever Relay for Life in Rainy River are hailing the event huge success.

More than $53-thousand was raised through the Canadian Cancer Society fundraiser.

Most was raised by the twenty teams who walked the track at Riverview School for twelve hours, ending early Saturday morning.

Another $14-hundred was collected by people who had their heads saved in a Cuts for Cancer event.

Far North Act Request

The Ontario Government's hearings on the far north act begin today.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy want the hearings rescheduled so they can have time to translate the legislation.

"All we are saying is that if you can consider coming in July or August that would be wonderful," says Beardy. "We're panicking because we're just not prepared to have quality input into the process."

The far north act recently passed second reading with a third scheduled for this fall.

FASD Private Members' Bill Introduced

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty is looking for labels on alcohol warning about the effects of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

He's put forward a private member's bill for M-P to consider.

"What it simply does is require alcohol packaging have a warning label for pregnant women," says Rafferty. "I've recommended in the bill something to the effect that no amount of alcohol is safe for a pregnant woman to drink."

Rafferty says the bill was prompted by groups and residents seeking more awareness of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

Highway Upgrades near Atikokan

More highway upgrades for the Atikokan area.

The province has awarded a $7.5 million contract to Miller Paving for upgrades to Highway 11 and 622.

Work along a 30 kilometre stretch of the two highways includes resurfacing, culvert and guide rail replacements.

Wild Child'z Holds First Show

(A trophy designed by Students of the Fort Frances High School Wild Child'z Car Club)
There a car show at Fort Frances High School Friday.

It was put on by a new school club Wild Child'z Car Club.

Teacher Gord Witherspoon says its aimed at getting more young people interested in cars.

"Spark some interest," says Witherspoon. "We're trying to get kids who haven't been involved in any other clubs in the school before and get them involved in something else."

Witherspoon says students were fully involved in the show from its organization to the construction of trophies for the winners.

Show and Shine

The International Early Iron Car Club kicked off its summer season with its annual Show and shine in downtown Fort Frances Saturday.

President Sandy Haney about 60 cars were on hand.

"This is the first show of the year here," says Haney, "then they travel all around. There has been lots of people looking and polishing their cars and getting ready for the summer.

Awards went to Bob Guertin for Best Mopar product; Gord Martin for Best GM (Buick); and Larry Kivimaki for Best Ford (Mustang). The People's Choice award went to Ron Deschamps. Ten participant choice awards went to Barry Novelan, Dale Hughes, Wes McPherson for his '66 Chev and '70 Chev, Carl Fisher, Robert Sletmoen, Ron Hughes (two awards), Steve Riggs and Pat Harris.