Black Friday

It's one of the busiest shopping days in America as stores open early for customers looking for great deals.

Menard's in International Falls is among stores area shoppers will be visiting on Black Friday.

General Manager Matt Winkler says his staff are ready.

"All of our cash registers will be going," says Winkler. "Every register has a backer and a carry out to get their products to where they are going to. We'll have our shopping carts spread out and ready to go."

The Canada Border Services Agency won't be dealing with Canadian shoppers until they return but says they too are prepared for the rush.

Local Black Friday

Not to be outdone by Black Friday, merchants in the Fort Frances' downtown area are hosting sales of their own this weekend.

Chair of the Downtown Business Improvement Association Connie Cuthbertson says many stores are holding tax free sales and other special events.

"We've been working hard, actually of the businesses working together trying to come up with some ideas to showcase what they have to offer," says Cuthbertson.

Cuthbertson says many stores started their sales yesterday and will stay open late tonight.

International Falls Parade Tonight

(International Falls Chamber photo)


The annual "Twas the Lights Before Christmas" parade in International Falls take place tonight.


Floats, vehicles, animals and walkers are welcome to participate right up until the parade starts at 7 p.m.


It will travel down main street from the Falls Chamber Office to Forestland Sales and Service.


Following the parade, the community will be treated to hot chocolate and cookies at Smoky Bear Park and visits with champion musher Jamie Nelson and her team of Alaskan huskies.

Woman Wins at McDonald's Monopoly

A Fort Frances woman is $25-thousand richer after playing McDonald's Monopoly.

Harriett Wagner uncovered the instant win prize during a recent visit to the McDonald's restaurant at the Fort Frances' Walmart.

"I looked at it, showed my husband and asked him to ask the manager to see if it was true," says Wagner, a mother of four with another on the way. "He did and the manager said it was a sure ticket."

It's believed to be the first time a person from northwestern Ontario has won a major prize playing the the McDonald's contest.

Safe Communities Board Appointed

There is a new chair for Safe Communities Rainy River District.

Peggy Loyie joins Bob Swing in heading the local organization board.

Previous co-chair, Gerry Armstrong remains as a director.

He's joined by Anne McCoy, Becky Holden, John Beaton. Freeda Carmody and Judith Lindholm.

Native Group Upset with Bell

First Nations telephone customers are alleging Bell Canada of not refunding the provincial sales tax portion of the Harmonized Sale Tax on their bills.

All telecommunications for First Nations citizens in Ontario were to be PST exempt starting September First.

But Anishinabek Deputy Grand Chief Glen Hare says he's heard from many native people who claim to have spent hours on the phone trying to get the PST removed.

First Nations customers had to submit documentation to confirm their status, but Hare says Bell is telling some they don't have the information and to resubmit it again.

Border Concerns

The town of Fort Frances is calling on the Ottawa and the province for help dealing with lineups of vehicles waiting to cross into the United States.

Officials says taxpayers have been footing the entire bill for policing and managing the lines at the border, and believe the senior levels of government have a financial and operation obligation to make sure border traffic is safe and orderly.

They say the federal government's Intelligent Transportation System strategy _ meant to facilitate efficient border traffic flow using technology _ has never been deployed at the Fort Frances border crossing.

Local Interested in Minnesota Steel Project

Rainy River Futures Development Corporation is taking great interest in a steel project in Minnesota's Iron Range.

Geoff Gillon says the Essar Steel project is something that could have direct benefits to Fort Frances.

"Not only are we a community in northwestern Ontario that has the current mining activity, whether its Rainy River Resources or the Hammond Reef in Atikokan, they're all within 100 mile radius," says Gillon, "we also have the East Indian company of Essar Steel spending over a billion dollars 150 miles south of Fort Frances."

Gillon says they'll be meeting with company officials in the coming months to better determine exactly how local businesses can benefit

Salvation Army Appeal

The Salvation Army in Fort Frances is putting out a call for help across the Rainy River district.

It's asking people to participate in a number of programs aimed at helping the area's needy.

Captain Angel Sandoval expects demand to be high.

"Last year we helped close to 750 families during the entire year," says Sandoval. "During Christmas, we had 220. We expect at least the same number this year."

Families wanting hampers this year can pick up application Thursday and Friday at Fort Frances Citadel or the Ontario Works office in Rainy River.

FACS Celebrates

An anniversary for Family and Children Services Rainy River District.

It was 75 years ago that the Children's Aid Society was incorporated.

Administration Manager Wendy Brunetta says a lot has changed over that time.

"Back in the early '50's is was mainly focused on the protection of children and investigations," says Brunetta. "Now we're actually branched out. In the early '80's we amalgamated many other services for children including developmental services and mental health services."

Wednesday, an open house was held to celebrate while staff and retiring employees were recognized Thursday night.

Next April, the agency is merging with Kenora and will operate under a new name.