FFCBC Makes Pitch to Council

Members of the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship made their pitch to town council last night.

They're seeking a shopping list of requests for this year's tournament.

In a brief statement to council, president Gord Watson says the tournament is still viable.

"We have spent our time with a budget committee that has done an excellent job," says Watson. "It is still a very much viable event in Fort Frances."

Councillors are to discuss the Championship's requests at the committee level next week.

Police Meeting Planned

Fort Frances town council will hold a special meeting next week to discuss its policing concerns.

Mayor Roy Avis says the meeting will be with members of the Police Services Board and Ontario Provincial Police.

"What they'd like to do is have the detachment commander (Acting Inspector Steve Shouldice)come forward and the chair of the board," says Avis. "Any of the other board members will be there to answer questions for council if they have any questions."

Policing costs and the number of officers on patrol have been two of the issues in recent months.

New Fire Chief Named

The town of Fort Frances has a new fire chief.

Frank Sheppard has been appointed to the position after serving in an acting capacity since the retirement of Gerry Armstrong in January.

He also becomes the town's new Emergency Measures Coordinator.

Sheppard has been with the Fire and Rescue Service for the past twenty five years.

Friends of the Museum Created

An effort is underway to create a separate volunteer group that would lend some support to the Fort Frances Museum.

Curator Sherry George says a "Friends of the Museum" group could be beneficial in helping around the museum or fundraising.

"We're in the very early stages," says George. "We're just trying to get some names together. It was an idea that came up at our advisory committee meeting and we're just trying to generate some interest right now."

George says they're hoping to duplicate the success of a library group that was instrumental in getting a new facility constructed.

Area Teacher Elected to OSSTF Executive

A Fort Frances High School teacher will remain on the provincial executive of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation.

Paul Elliott was re-elected as a vice-president for another two year term during the Federation's annual meeting that wrapped up yesterday in Toronto.

Elliot has been on the executive since 2005, the last four as its vice-president.