Hunting Fines Imposed

A Fort Frances man has been fined 40-thousand dollars in connection with several incidents at a deer hunting business in the Kenora district.

Grant Gustafson pleaded guilty to charges such as hunting swimming deer, hunting deer with a motor boat,  unlawfully hunting wolves and illegal firearm use.

They stem from a Ministry of Natural Resources investigation conducted between 2007 and 2009.

Two of the business' employees and five clients were also fined and handed hunting suspensions.

Along with the fines, Gustafson has also been banned from hunting for the next ten years and from guiding for the next two.

New Animal Holding Facility Planned

Koochiching County is being asked to share in the cost of a new facility in International Falls to hold stray or unwanted pets.

The facility, estimated at about $276-thousand, would be run by the city.

Chair Brian McBride says because there's benefits to it dealing with their strays, he has no problem with the Country sharing in the cost.

A parcel of land west of Menards is being eyed as a potential location.

New Directors Elected

Two new faces to the Rainy River Futures Development Corporation board of directors.

Jim Belluz and Deb Cornell were elected at the Corporation's annual meeting in Emo Tuesday night.

George Emes, who's term had expired, was also re-elected.

They join six other directors who'll meet at a later date to select an executive.

Forest Fires Hazard Low

MNR File photo

Rain has put a damper on the forest fire hazard across northwestern Ontario.

The hazard is now considered "low" across the region.

A new lightning-caused fire was reported on an island at the north end of Rainy Lake which the Ministry of Natural Resources is allowed to burn itself out.

It's one of fifteen active fires in the northwest.

Border Celebrations Planned

Plans are underway to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the bridge linking Fort Frances and Internationals Falls.

Town councillor Rick Wiedenhoeft says an open house at the Museum will be held on August 1st.

Representatives from both sides of the border are expected.

Rainy Lake Hotel Report Filed

The town of Fort Frances town council is being asked to take ownership of the former Rainy Lake Hotel as a first step to tearing it down and creating an open-air market.

An advisory committee submitted its final recommendations to council Monday night.

Consultant Tannis Drysdale says most people want the historic hotel reopened in some form, but it's condition makes that doubtful.

The committee also recommends seeking out financial help in covering the estimated cost of 1-6 million dollars.

Confederation College Graduation

Twenty-seven students from the Rainy River district are the newest Confederation College graduates.

Commencement ceremonies to recognize their accomplishments took place in Fort Frances last night.

President Jim Madder among those on hand to congratulate them on their success.

Among the graduates, Kimberly Jacobson from the Paramedic program who earned three prestigious awards for her academic achievements.

No Charges Yet in Weekend Incident

No charges yet in an incident early Sunday morning in Fort Frances that resulted in injuries to one person.

OPP were called to the 900 Block of Portage Avenue where several people had been involved in a physical altercation.

Police says the injuries suffered by the individual were not life-threatening.

Road Projects Start Next Month

Two work projects will begin next month in Fort Frances.

The replacement of a section of water main along Kings Highway, between Daniel Avenue and Pit Road 1 will start in the middle of July.

An upgrade of the storm sewer system at the Portage Avenue underway pass will start in the first week of July.

Both projects have been tendered out to Makkinga Construction of Thunder Bay.

Fort Ready To Pull For Peace

Fort Frances is ready to defend its title in the annual Pulling for Peace Tug of War.

Councillor Rick Wiedenhoeft says there will three events this year, including one involving celebrities for Fort Frances and International Falls.

A second will involved a select number of residents picked by the celebrities.

The third will be a community pull for the title.

The event will take place July 2, beginning at 5 p.m.

Man Charged With Dangerous Driving

A Fort Frances man is facing a charge of dangerous driving.

It stems from an incident last month in which OPP received a complaint of a vehicle with flat tires still driving around on its rims.

The 36-year driver will now appear in court next month.

Contribution To Tourism Initiative Request

The town of Fort Frances is being asked to help fund the Path of the Voyageur initiative.

It's an Atikokan-developed project, using the region's connection to the fur trade to promote travel and tourism through the area.

Atikokan is seeking $3-thousand towards the coordination and marketing.