Teachers Protest

EFTO photo

Ontario teachers gather at the Ontario legislature and in Thunder Bay today to protest controversial legislation that would their freeze wages and cut benefits.

The bill was introduced at Queen's Park yesterday.

The Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation has postponing its strike votes, but president Ken Coran says teachers are questioning whether to do volunteer duties.

School Starts Today In Rainy River District

For students in the Rainy River district, it's back to school today.

Education Director for the Rainy River District board Heather Campbell says their schools are ready to open their doors to this year's class.

Campbell say they've expanding the use of iPads in their schools, hiring new staff to assist in their use.

The board is also participating in a pilot program on a new anti-bullying campaign.

Catholic Schools Set Theme For School Year

The Northwest Catholic District School Board is excited about the new school year.

Education Director Mary-Catherine Kelly says their year will focus around the theme "Growing Together in Faith."

The board is also expanding the use of ipads, first tried at St. Francis School in Fort Frances, to its schools in Atikokan and and Dryden.

Motorists Drive Carefully Around Schools And Buses

The start of school also means motorists having to be a little more alert on the road.

OPP Sergeant Shelly Garr says police want to ensure a safe start to the new school year.

Garr says motorist can face heavy fines for failing to stop for a school bus and any traffic offence occurring within the community safety zone in Fort Frances.

Free Concert Tonight

A number of area performers are coming together tonight with a strong anti-bullying message.

It was organized by Dexter Fischuk of the group Fort Frances Mobilizers, who's being followed today by a television crew from MUCH Music and CTV.

Fishcuk says the group Free The Children recommended he be a part of an upcoming television special and that he organize a concert to help highlight his work.

The concert at the Townshend Theatre is free to attend and begins at 7 p.m.

Industrial Area To Get A Look Over

Google Maps

Fort Frances is looking at conducting a review of its industrial area.

Geoff Gillon of the Rainy River Futures Development Corporation says the study will include how it can meet the needs of the region's growing mining industry.

The town's hoping to access provincial funding for the study.

Hearings On Proposed Federal Riding Changes Announced

The Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Ontario will hold public hearings this fall on the proposed new electoral map.

Fifteen new ridings, all in southern Ontario, are proposed.

The commission is recommending northern Ontario's 10 ridings remain.

The commission will start hearings in Kenora October 9 and Thunder Bay October 10  

Town Thanked For Helping Evacuees

The town of Fort Frances has received some recognition for its work in housing evacuees from Sandy Lake First Nation last month.

The community was a temporary home to about 80 residents, flown out of their community because of smoke from forest fires burning nearby.

In a letter to the town, Community Safety Minister Madeleine Meilluer applauds the town and its staff for being consummate professionals, flexible to changing priorities and quick to respond.

It's the first time Fort Frances has had to play a host role in forest fire evacuations.

New Chamber Manager Announced

The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce has selected a new manager.

Annely Armstrong of Fort Frances will take on the job September 4.

She replaces Anthony Mason whose resigning to further his education.