Prescribed Burn Planned

An area of forest, knocked down by a huge wind storm five years ago, could be the site of a prescribed burn this fall.

Mike Kitney of the Ministry of Natural Resources says the proposed burn of 112 hectares near Pekagoning Lake, 50 kilometres northwest of Atikokan, will help them determine how fire reacts in the area.

"We have a fuel rating system known as the Canadian Forest Fire Danger rating system," says Kitney, "and the blowdown fuel type that we're seeing in the forest isn't actually recognized. So there's a bit of a knowledge gap. So the biggest thing we'll get out of this is bridging that knowledge gap."

Kitney says a successful outcome could lead to additional burning within the blowdown.

Firefighters Return

Ministry of Natural Resources firefighters who were helping fight fires in Manitoba are back home.

More than 60 firefighters and support staff along with equipment and aircraft had been in the province since June 20.

They return to a quiet fire situation with 13 active fires in northwestern Ontario, most in the remote north.

Bass Championship Set-Up

Set-up for the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship at the Memorial Sports Centre is underway.

Both arenas will be utilized - the 52 Canadians Arena for the weigh-ins with entertainment happening in the Ice for Kids Arena.

Volunteers wanting to help out can do so by visiting the Sports Centre.

Kids Pro On Tap Sunday

Kid anglers will take to the waters this Sunday for the start of the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship.

More than thirty youngsters will join pro-anglers in the annual Kids Pro tournament.

Organizer Linda Plumridge says the anglers involvement helps make the event a success.

"we have a great list of anglers from previous winners," says Plumridge. "I think the kids are going to have a great day."

The youngsters will be vying for a number of prizes in the catch-and release event.

While the main fishing tournament is happening at the Memorial Sports Centre, the weigh-ins for the Kids Pro take place at the Sorting Gap Marina 3:30 p.m.

Railroad Dazes Underway

Railroad Dazes are underway in the town of Rainy River.

Festivities today include a seniors' picnic this afternoon, a family fun carnival night at the arena and a slow pitch tournament.

The annual festival wraps up Sunday.

Missing Man Found

An 89-year-old Sioux Lookout man who had been the subject of a search yesterday has been found safe in Manitoba.

Police say Michael Marcyniuk was found near Falcon Lake after his vehicle was spotted on the side of the highway by an resident from Ignace.

Another Swimming Advisory Issued

Another beach in northwestern Ontario has been found with high levels of e-coli bacteria.

The Northwestern Health Unit is urging people not to swim at Ear Falls Beach.

Last week, swimming advisories were issued for beaches in Emo and Rainy River.

Herbicide Spraying Planned

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is planning to apply herbicides to about 77 hectares of state land in the Baudette area over the next month.

It's done to help control vegetation and establish new forest.

Spraying will begin this month and end around August 15.