Area Women Perform At Carnegie Hall

Two Fort Frances women are now among the thousands of performers who've stepped on the stage of the famed Carnegie Hall in New York City

Sarah Hallikas and Annelise Hawyluk were part of a Toronto church choir invited to perform at an event last night.

Hallikas say it was a thrill.

The two women had only joined the choir in September not knowing of the trip to New York..

Three Fort Frances Residents Receive Diamond Jubilee Medals

Some the last Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medals have have been handed out to worthy recipients in the Rainy River district.

Fort Frances residents June Keddie, a long-time volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society and Henry Miller, who's long promoted conservation programs to area youth, received awards during a weekend ceremony.

CFOB-News Director Randy Thoms was also presented an award for his 30 years in broadcasting.

The awards were handed out by Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty.

No Extra Pay For Deputy Mayor Duties

There will be no extra money provided to Fort Frances councillors who take on the role of deputy mayor.

Councillors, who chair committee of the whole meetings, will be assigned deputy mayor for the next two years.

The deputy mayor is usually paid more for their work.

Councillors agreed this past week to forego the extra cash.

Assessment Appeal Settlement

A settlement has been reached in Resolute Forest Products appeal of its assessment of mill properties in Fort Frances.

The agreement, which involved the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation, the town and company, will result in Resolute's assessment for the last four years being reduced by 25 per cent.

Mayor Roy Avis says the company was seeking a 58 per cent decrease.

The company will receive a tax-rebate of $2.1 million, $1.7 million from the town, which is well below the nearly $5-million had it fully won its appeal.

Salvation Army Taking On Donations

Salvation Army in Fort Frances is again accepting donations to its Thrift Store.

The agency had asked people to refrain from bringing in used items after receiving a huge collection during the Christmas holidays gathered by a local Confederation College student.

Lieutenant Dennis Maybury says they're now in a position take donations, Monday to Friday.

Out of town donors can make arrangements for a Saturday drop-off by calling the Salvation Army.

Regulations Extended

Experimental fishing regulations at five lakes of the Namakan Reservoir are being extended for another six years.

The regulations for Kabetogama, Namakan, Sand Point, Crane and Little Vermilion lakes put limit on the size of walleye anglers can catch.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says the fishery has responded well to the measure and extending it will help it further and give the Department more time to evaluate its long-term effectiveness.

Lots Of Work At Rainy River Resources Planned

Rainy River Resources photo

There's going to be lots of work this year at Rainy River Resources and its gold project north of Barwick.

The company has released an update on its planned activities for the year.

Spokesperson Indi Gopinathan says the release of a feasibility study will be a key document.

Further exploration and the submission of its environment assessment report are also planned.

Committee To Begin Work Soon

The Northwest Catholic District School Board plans to have a committee in place early this week to review Our Lady of the Way School in Stratton.

The board intends to confirm its Accommodation Review Committee at its meeting tonight with committee members gathering for the first time tomorrow.

The elementary school with about 15 students is being looked at because of low enrolment.

Exact dates for public meeting will likely determined when committee members meet.

Area Bishop Surprised By Pope's Resignation

The Bishop for the Diocese of Thunder Bay says he's surprise to see the Pope resign.

Bishop Fred Colli calls this week's announcement by Pope Benedict XVI courageous.

Colli hopes the resignation sets an example to other church leaders about when to call it quits.