Bear Problems in Fort Frances

Bears are becoming a nuisance for some residents in Fort Frances.

By-law enforcement officer Arlene Brynes says the number of calls received has picked up in recent days.

There have been 13 reported sightings and at least four bears were captured and relocated outside the town.

Brynes says one bear had to be killed because it suffered injuries believed to have come from being hit by a vehicle.

Issues Debated in Kenora

Hydro rates, the Far North Act and forestry were among issues arising out of a debate in Kenora for candidates seeking election in Kenora-Rainy River.

The Liberal's Anthony Leek admits his party's policies have been under attack, but they aren't about to change course now.

The NDP's Sarah Campbell reiterating her party's plans to bring down hydro rates.


Rod McKay of the Conservatives says his party believe in opening up the north for development.

Charmaine Romaniuk of the Northern Ontario Heritage Party wants to ensure mineral mined in the north be processed in the north.

Jo Jo Holiday from the Green Party says in order to have a healthy economy, we need a healthy population.

Stratton Debate Organized

There will be a provincial election debate in the Rainy River district.

The Rainy River Federation of Agriculture is sponsoring an event a week from tomorrow at Our Lady of the Way School in Stratton.

A meet and greet, sponsored by the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce, takes place the day before in Fort Frances.

Advance Polls Open

Advance polls open today in the provincial election.

Returning officer for the Kenora-Rainy River riding Ian Simpson says voters can go to the returning office in Fort Frances or to the Rainy River Community Centre beginning at 10 a.m.

In Atikokan, there is an advance poll at Elections Ontario's office on Main street.

Three Face Drug Charges

Three people in the Rainy River district will make future court appearances on drug charges.

A 60-year-old Fort Frances man was charged after OPP seized  $3,000 worth of marijuana plants from a home in late August.

A week later, a marijuana grow operation was discovered in Barwick where police seized plants and dry marijuana, valued at over $23-thousand.

A 47-year-old man was charged.

A day later, a 44-year-old woman from Couchiching First Nation was charged after police stopped a vehicle and found $4,100 worth of cocaine inside.

Environmental Film Festival

The environment takes front and centre at a film festival at Fort Frances High School today.

Beth Fairfield, chair of the Rainy River District School Board's Environmental Education Committee says it's the event's third year.

Students will see a number of short films.

An expo will also be held to showcase environmental products and services in the district.

The festival is restricted to students only, but the expo is open to the public from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.