Festival Results from Thursday

The Rainy River District Festival of the Performing Arts has wrapped up.

Katelyn Bruyere and Adyson Hands each won twice for solo works while bands from Robert Moore and Fort Frances High School took several titles in the instrumental division.

The best of the festival will perform May 8

Here is a list of all winners from Thursday.

CLASS B812(II)
FIRST - Hailey McEvoy
SECOND - Justis Gauthier

CLASS B105
FIRST - Robert Moore School, Grades 4 and 5, Director – Mrs. Donald

CLASS B300
FIRST - Robert Moore School, Grades 7 and 8, Director - Karen Peltomaki

CLASS B302
FIRST - Fort Frances High School Intermediate Band, Director - Lisa Loney

CLASS B303
FIRST - Fort Frances High School Senior Band, Director – Lisa Loney

CLASS B304
FIRST - Fort Frances High School Stage Band, Director – Lisa Loney

CLASS B402
FIRST - Caleb Dueck , Lorianne Dueck

CLASS S1300
FIRST – Katelyn Bruyere

CLASS S1250
FIRST – Katelyn Bruyere

CLASS S1200-B
FIRST - Adyson Hands

CLASS S600
FIRST – Adyson Hands

CLASS B806
FIRST - Emma Kunkel

CLASS B802
FIRST – Cameron Daley

Community Reports Released

Healthy eating and physical activity top the list of the most important community health needs based a series of reports released by the Northwestern Health Unit.

The Health Unit's Tanis Fretter says they're now working to address those needs in the twelve communities involved.

"Some communities are development plans around what they identified mostly as either their top two or top three priorities," says Fretter. "We working with communities to help them figure out what next steps they want to take and we're committed to continuing that process as long as it takes."

Recreational opportunities, drug and alcohol use and mental health were other priorities identified.

Forest Tenure Bill Still Troubling

The Ontario Forest Industries Association is again expressing disappointment with the McGuinty Government and its handling of the Forest Tenure Reform bill.

Spokesperson Scott Jackson says no one is happy with it.

"There was an overwhelming concern with the speed at which this bill is moving forward," says Jackson, and a very clear request, in our opinion, from a variety of stakeholders that this needed to be slowed down in order to make sure we get it right."

The Government has filed a time allocation motion that would fast track the bill and eliminate further debate at the committee level.

Conferences Kick Off Today

Regional business and community leaders are taking part in two separate conferences starting today.

In Kenora, the Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce is holding its spring meeting.

President-elect Andy Scribilo says it's a chance to discuss issues effecting their communities.

"This is our spring resolutions to take them down to Ontario Chamber of Commerce," says Scribilo. "We're really hoping the community gets involved through the Chamber to get some resolutions. That's the only way we can get the voice down to the Parliament."

Meantime, Thunder Bay is hosting the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association conference.

President Ron Nelson says four members of the McGuinty cabinet will also be there.

"The Minister of Natural Resources (Linda Jeffrey) will be there," says Nelson. "The Minister of University Colleges and Training (John Milloy) should be an interesting discussions knowing that Lakehead University is pushing for a law school."

Infrastructure Minister Bob Chiarelli and Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle are also attending.

College President Search Nearing an End

The search for a new president at Confederation College is inching closer to an announcement.

Board of Governors chair Marilyn Gouthro says a replacement for the retiring Pat Lang could be named next month.

The board has shortlisted its selection down to six candidates.

Gifts for New Moms Wanted

It's a baby shower of a community-wide nature.

Residents across Koochiching County are being asked to donate items such as diapers, clothes and other accessories to help out new mothers.

Brenda Jones of the Rainy Lake Medical Centre says they're not just for people in need.

"It's to welcome every mother and to provide a gift for every new mother and baby that comes into Koochiching County," says Jones. "It's also an opportunity for these mom to learn about services that's provided to them."

Items will be collected by the Medical Centre and the Koochiching County Health Department on May 25 and distributed during visits by the local nurses.

Major Sponsor for Bass Tournament

The Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship is receiving some much needed support for a Fort Frances business owner.

Sunset Country Ford will become the tournament's presenting sponsor following an undisclosed contribution from owner Nick Beyak.

"I see it as an investment really," says Beyak. "The bass tournament brings in so much to the community in terms as a dollar amount that it being a strong solid tournament I think its vital to the economic environment in Fort Frances."

Tournament chair Gord Watson calls the donation significant and a tremendous boast for the tournament.