Courthouse Floods

Court proceedings in Fort Frances are being held in a different location today.

A flood in the courthouse forced officials to move cases to the Fort Frances Civic Centre.

The cause of the flood, nor the extend of damage at the Courthouse was disclosed.

Harper Recognized Tug of War

The Prime Minister is giving recognition to the annual Pulling for Peace Tug of War between Fort Frances and International Falls.

Fort Frances councillor Andrew Hallikas says, in a letter to both Mayors Roy Avis and Shawn Mason, Prime Minister Harper also signs a proclamation, declaring July 2 as Peaceful Borders Day.

Harper also encourages both sides to continue the spirit of international competition alive by involving and inspiring citizens in both communities in local activities.

Border Privacy

Canada and the U.S. have come up a 12-point ''statement of principles'' tied to a perimeter security deal struck last year by the two neighbours.

One of those points says the U.S. will be allowed to share data about Canadians with other countries, and won't have to explicitly tell Canada about its plan to do so.

Naitcatchewenin Development Corporation Opens Office

An area First Nation agency is making itself known to the Rainy River district.

Naitcatchewenin Development Corporation officially opened its Fort Frances downtown office yesterday.

Chief Business Development Officer Tony Marinaro says it serves as a satellite office to their main one in the community, 30 kilometres north of Fort Frances.

The Corporation is involved in a number of initiatives aimed at helping the First Nation.

A ribbon cutting was also held at the UPS Store, one of the Corporation's ventures

New Fish Regs Proposed

An advisory committee is proposing changes to fishing regulations effecting area lakes.

The Fisheries Management Zone 5 council is seeking comment on its ideas before making final recommendations to the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Member Richard Boileau says they're aimed at ensuring fishing opportunities enjoyed now continue.

All of the proposed changes can be found on the website fmz5.com.

Nurses Should Do More - Report

A new report is urging the province to give its nurses more powers.

 It says Ontario should let nurses perform tasks like diagnosing ear and throat infections and prescribe drugs, such as birth control pills.


Dorin Grinspin of the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario says the recommendations will help contain health-care costs.


Health Minister Deb Matthews agrees with the RNAO that nurses should be doing more, but notes the government has moved forward to improve access to care through the opening of nurse practitioner clinics across the province.

Smoking Rate Decreases

Northwestern Ontario is butting out, one cigarette at a time.

A Health Canada report says the number of people in the area that smoke is decreasing, especially those between the ages of 15 to 19

However, the smoking rate in the region still remains higher then the rest of Ontario.

Send Off For Librarian

Fort Frances Library users and supporters giving their best wishes to retiring chief librarian Margaret Sedgwick.

They gathered yesterday to celebrate her 35-year career that ends with her final working day tomorrow.

Sedgwick says she has plenty to keep her active.

Sedgwick says she will miss the staff and the many users she's met over her career.

Crash On Highway 71

One person is in hospital following a motor vehicle accident on Highway 71.

OPP says the man was the only occupant of a vehicle involved in yesterday afternoon's crash near Bunny Lake, about 65 kilometres south of Kenora.

He was transferred to hospital in Kenora with serious injuries.

Mall Days In Fort Frances

A section of Scott Street will be closed for most of the day today.

Fort Frances Downtown Business Improvement Association holds its Mall Days.

Along with the many sales at local stores, there's many other events taking place.

Northwestern Health Unit will have games for the kids with a bouncy toy at Warehouse One.

Celestes will have its Cuts for Cancer taking place.

And NCDS will have its dragon boat on display for those wanting to take part.

New Mini King and Queen

There's some new royalty in Fort Frances.

Six-year-old Evan Bagaki and 5-year-old Serena Cousineau were named Mini King and Queen yesterday.

They take over the reign held for the past year by Liam Dent and Piper Lidkea.

Among their duties, Evan and Serena are expected to be as part of the July 1st parade.

NWO Chief Heads Ontario Chiefs Group

A well-known northwestern Ontario native leader is now head of the Chiefs of Ontario.

Nishnawbe-Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy defeated incumbent Angus Toulouse in traditional voting at the All-Ontario Chiefs Conference yesterday in Toronto.

San Gold Acquires More Property

A Manitoba-based junior mining company is continuing to strengthen its interests in northwestern Ontario.

San Gold Corporation says it's entering into an option agreement with Canadian Arrow Mines on a site just northeast of Rainy River.

The company, last week, announced a similar deal with Opawica Explorations for its Atikwa Lake project north of Nestor Falls.

Mine Property Changes Hands

A mining project in the Nestor Falls area is about to change hands.

Houston Lake Mining says it's selling all of its interest in its West Cedartree Gold Project to Coventry Resources in a cash and shares deal

The site is located 12 kilometres away from Coventry's Cameron Lake Gold Project.

Meningitis Concern

An uncommon but fatal disease has health officials concerned about a potential outbreak.

The Northwestern Health Unit says the vaccine rate of students for meningitis is declining in our area.

Manager of Infectious Diseases Donna Stanley says getting the vaccine for youth is important.

Families who's children did not receive the vaccination should contact the health unit to schedule an appointment.

Dragon Comes Alive

The Dragon is Awake.

An ancient ritual know as "Awakening the Dragon" was performed on the Rainy River yesterday in advance of Sunday's Boundary Waters Dragon Boat festival.

Spokesperson Jenny Greenhalgh says the dotting of the Dragon's eyes brings health, happiness and contentment to the community and the  paddlers involved.

Practice for competitors will take place tonight, tomorrow and Friday.


Those still interested in taking part can still register.

New Canteen Operator

There will be a new operator of the concessions at the Memorial Sports Centre in Fort Frances.

The town  is awarding a two-year contract with Mark Nagant.

He was one of four bidders and take's over from Carol Barrell, who operated as Carol's Canteen for over a decade.

Campbell Refutes Tory Claims

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell is refuting comments that passing of the provincial budget solidified the closing of the area's tourist information centres.

In an interview with CFOB-News last week, PC Critic Vic Fedeli said there was no effort by the NDP in committee to overturn the closure decision.

Campbell says the centres weren't mentioned in the budget, so any amendments weren't permitted.


Campbell adds she was also denied a chance to participate in budget debate in the legislature because of antics of Conservatives MPPs.

Liberals Seeking Bigger Presence In Rural Ridings

Anthony Leek photo

Provincial Liberals are looking to have to bigger presence in Ontario's rural areas.

It was a topic recently discussed at a weekend meeting in Sudbury.

President of the Kenora-Rainy River Liberal Riding Association, Anthony Leek says it will be a benefit to this area.

Leeks says the Party is embarking on an outreach campaign aimed more input at the grassroots level.

Diamond Jubilee Award

A man who's been involved in a number of initiatives at Couchiching First Nations for more than fifty years is the latest recipient of a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Glenn Jourdain was presented the medal in a quiet ceremony on the weekend.

Among his accomplishments was the forming of the community's volunteer fire department.

New Doc For Rainy River

A sense of relief in the town of Rainy River

A second full-time physician will come on board in September to work at both the clinic and Rainy River Health Centre's emergency department.

Jack Elliott of the Rainy River Health Care Committee says the hiring of Dr. Joe Ennett doesn't mean an end to locums.

Doctors from outside the region are now providing emergency room coverage until September.

Ennett, who flies his own plane, is among those now providing that coverage, flying in from his home in Stratford.

Dragon Boats Get Town Dollars

Some financial help for the first-ever Dragon Boat Festival in Fort Frances.

Town council has approved a one-time grant of one-thousand dollars.

Councillor Andrew Hallikas says the unique event deserves their support.

Councillor Ken Perry says with the town struggling to fund long-existing projects, he found it difficult to support something new at this time.

Funding Delays Impact Local Projects

Delays in getting approval of federal funds are having an impact on some economic initiatives planned for the Rainy River district.

Geoff Gillon of Rainy River Futures Development Corporation says requests to FEDNOR have yet been approved for a new three year plan.

Gillon says they're also awaiting on funds for the Go-Local campaign, he says, can't be fully implemented without

Moffat Funding Handed Out

More than $37-thousand have has been handed out to nine organizations in the Fort Frances area.

Mayor Roy Avis handed out checks from the Moffat Foundation at last night's council meeting.

The Salvation Army is receiving $8,000 to help disadvantaged families cover the cost of school supplies for their children.

Loaves and Fishes will use $3,300 to upgrade and replace some equipment at its soup kitchen.

Northern Community Development Services (NCDS) is getting $5,000 for its dragon boat festival.

908 Rainy Lake Air Cadet Squadron receives $3,000 to support its activities geared to youth 12 to 18.

Kenora-Rainy River Districts Child and Family Services gets $3,650 to continue the distribution of glow sticks at Halloween in Fort Frances.

Safe Communities Rainy River District will use $5,000 to enhance its Ripple Effect message of choices and consequences on youth.

Fort Frances Lion's Club will purchase new surveillance cameras for Lion's Park and extend a brick walkway with $3,100.

OPP Youth Foundation's gift of $3,500 will go towards its summer camp this summer

Infrastructure Work Begins Next Week

Two infrastructure projects in the town of Fort Frances are about to start.

Installation of a new water main along King Highways, between Daniel Avenue and Pit Road 1, will start next week.

Upgrades to the pumping station at the Portage Avenue underpass will start a week later.

Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says there may be a partial closure of the underpass at some period during the work there.

Both projects are being done by Makkinga Contracting of Thunder Bay.

More Omnibus Bills In Ottawa

There could be another large omnibus bill coming before MP's in the House of Commons this fall.

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty says he hasn't been told what it may contain, but worries debate will be limited as it was with the budget bill.

The budget bill contained changes to several pieces of legislation effecting such things as old age security, the environment and fisheries.

OPG Atikokan Plant Conversion Still on Track

The Atikokan Generating Station is still on track for conversion to biomass.

That's the promise of Energy Minister Chris Bentley who was in Thunder Bay Monday meeting with northwestern Ontario municipal leaders.

The province is planning to start work on converting the coal-fired plant by next year.

Building Stats

Plenty of construction started in Fort Frances last month.

Statistics released by the town's show building permits for fifteen projects, totaling over $565-thousand, were issued in May.

It included a $116-thousand project at Walmart for the town's newest Tim Hortons restaurant which opening last week.

Another $140-thousand project is underway at the Scenic River Mall where the former 364 Store is becoming Shopper's Home Health Care's new location.

Treaty Three Support for Kelly

The new grand Chief of Treaty 3 expects area chiefs will give former chief Diane Kelly full support in her bid  to become leader of the Assembly of First Nation.

Warren White, who defeated Kelly in recent elections, says she was an effective leader for Treaty 3.

Kelly is one of seven candidates trying to unseat Shawn Atleo at next month's annual meeting.

Teacher Deal Pending

File photo

There are reports the Liberals may soon have a deal with the Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association.

That would split them off from other groups fighting a wage freeze.

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty is staying mum on a new contract is imminent.

The Liberals wants workers in the broader public sector to take a wage freeze as they battle a $15-billion deficit.

Moffat Money Distributed Tonight

CFOB-News file photo

Several groups in Fort Frances will benefit from funding from the Moffat Foundation.

Fort Frances Mayor Roy Avis is expected to dole out over $37-thousand to nine different organizations as tonight's meeting of council.

Salvation Army, Northern Community Development Services and its dragon boat festival and Safe Communities Rainy River are some of the benefactors.

Most Like New Duty Free Limits

A new survey suggests Canadians are in a U.S. shopping state of mind this summer thanks to changes in regulations that allow them to buy more without paying duty.

A majority favour the changes that went into effect June 1st while just over half planning trips south of the border say they intend to spend more.

The Retail Council of Canada says the increases are just one more blow to merchants who must compete with U.S. competitors that often get a better deal from suppliers.

Solar Energy Interest Grows

Pine River Solar photo

Rising electricity costs is making solar power an attractive buy for some in the Rainy River district.

Pine River Solar is among local companies helping people get involved with the province's Feed-in-Tariff program.


Co-owner Jurgen Schmutz says interest is growing.

A lack of capacity has restricted the ability for more projects in the west end, but it's not prohibiting residents in Fort Frances and elsewhere from taking advantage.

No Forest Fires In District

MNR file photo

The recent wet weather is helping keep forest fire activity to a minimum.

The Ministry of Natural Resources is reporting 7 fires in the northwest Region, none in the Rainy River district, and none causing any problems.

The weather forecast for warmer weather is driving the fire hazard to moderate and high levels in our area.

Search Suspended

The U.S. Air Force and Civil Air Patrol are suspending the search for a Twin Cities pilot and his plane that went missing two weeks ago over northeastern Minnesota.

Mike Bratlie left a South St. Paul airport in his Piper Navajo June 8th bound for Duluth.

He made his last radar contact in the Silver Bay area.

No sight of the plane has been found.

Beware of Ticks

Summer is here, which means it's time to protect yourself from Lyme Disease.

It is transferred by deer or moose ticks which latch on to human flesh.

Northwestern Health Unit's Kurtis Casey says they are interested in those insects.

The Health Unit's offices have kits that have tweezers and id kits that can be returned for testing.

There are currently no known cases of anyone contracting Lyme Disease in our area.

Win-Loss On Fort Frances Medical Front

Dr. Saliba (l) in 2010

Fort Frances is gaining a surgeon, but losing a family physician.

The town's Physician Recruitment Committee says Doctor Bahram Shahi, who's been working temporarily at LaVerendrye Hospital for the past two months, has agreed to move here permanently from Glasgow, Nova Scotia.

He'll begin full-time in August.

The Committee is also confirming Doctor Cynthia Saliba will be leaving Fort Frances in August

Saliba has been working out of the Fort Frances Clinic since 2010.

No reason for her departure was given.

First Nations Looking For End to Park Case

First Nations says they're confident a ruling over issues surround Agency One lands will side in their favour.

The area, commonly referred to as Pither's Point Park, has been subject of much legal wrangling over ownership and compensation.

Couchiching Chief Chuck McPherson would like an quick end,


While a 99-year-old lease expired four years ago, the Court has allowed Fort Frances to continue operating the area as a park until the issue of ownership was resolved.

Slow Down On 8th Street

Complaints about the speeds of vehicles using Eight Street in Fort Frances have prompted warnings from the OPP.

Police says they've made companies in the area aware of the complaints and asked them to remind their employees to watch their speed.

OPP are also conducting radar patrol along the road.

Tip Helps Nab Motorist

OPP says a tip led them to charging a woman from Couchiching First Nation for driving without a licence.

Police tracked down the 27-year-old Monday after being informed she was on her way to Fort Frances.

She now faces the threat of paying penalties of over $300 if convicted.

Animal Cruelty Near Dryden

A case of animal cruelty in the Dryden area.

Police say four dogs in Wainright township were poisoned.

Two of the dogs died.

Canada Day Window Display

Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce wants local businesses to show their Canadian pride.

Manager Anthony Mason says they're again looking for the best-dressed window display.

Mason says the theme of the Parade, the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, should be a part of the display.

Prizes will be awarded June 29th for the most royal, the most Canadian and the funniest.

Question of the Week

Little support for MPs who spent 24 hours voting on amendments to the federal budget recently.

80 per cent of respondents to our on-line poll question didn't see it as a good use of MP's time.

This week, do you think provincial New Democrats were right in abstaining from the budget vote to avoid a provincial election.

Let us know on our website 931theborder.ca.

Atikokan H.S. Grad Tonight

The final high school graduation ceremony this week in the Rainy River district goes tonight.


30 students from Atikokan High School will receive their diplomas at ceremonies taking place at Grayson Hall beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Drug Charge Laid

A Fort Frances man will answer to a charge of drug possession before a court Judge next month.

The 29-year-old was charged Sunday after OPP stopped a vehicle on Highway 11 just east of town.

The discovery of 18-and-half percocet pills led to his arrest.

Fishing Center Opens

A big celebration in Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls.

It's Northern Ontario Sports Fishing Center is officially open.

Mayor Bill Thompson says it will serve as the community's tourism center.

The complex includes fishing exhibits, interactive display with seminars and workshops around fishing also planned.

Dragon Boat Festival A Go

The first ever Dragon Boat Festival in Fort Frances is a go.

More teams are still being sought for the Boundary Waters Dragon Boat Festival, but spokesperson Jenny Greenhalgh says some key financial support from Gillon's Insurance is allowing the July 1st event to proceed.

The town of Fort Frances is also offering help if necessary.

Greenhalgh says they have nine teams so far, but would like to see at least another three sign up by next week.

Budget Passes

A summer election in Ontario has been averted with the passage of the minority government's budget.

Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro says is relieved.

Right up until the vote, the Liberals said they could not trust the New Democrats to keep their word and let the budget pass.


But the NDP kept its promise by abstaining from the vote.

Tourism Centres Officially Closed

Tourism in northwestern Ontario is taking a hit with the budget's passing.

Tourism Centres in Kenora, Rainy River and Fort Frances are officially closed.

Conservative critic Vic Fedeli says it's disappointing.

He adds there was no attempt by the NDP to bring forward amendments to have the closure decision removed from the budget.

Fedeli adds the budget does little for job creation despite Liberal claims.

Walk of Solidarity

Several area First Nations are using National Aboriginal Day to draw attention to issues around the area known as Agency 1.

First Nations are hold a Walk in Solidarity, beginning this morning at the west end of the town, ending at Pither's Point Park.

The area, which includes the Park, has been the focal point of ongoing legal challenges.