First Nation Community Taking On Solar Farms

Three large solar farms planned for the Rainy River district are being taken over by Rainy River First Nations.

The combined 25 megawatt projects in the Pinewood area were started by Ontario Solar P.V. Fields

Chief Jim Leonard says the band pursued a purchase agreement after being unable to get approval for a project of their own.

Leonard says all of the permitting and financing should be in place by the fall allowing construction to begin next summer.

As many as four hundred jobs are expected to be created by the work.

Huffman Prepares To Go Down

The demolition of the former Huffman School in Fort Frances is expected to begin today.

It's removal is to make way for a new 16-lot housing subdivision.

The elementary school opened in 1955 and closed in 2010 with the construction of the new Robert Moore School and subsequently purchased by the town of Fort Frances..

College Graduations Today

Confederation College recognizes its graduates in the Rainy River district today.

About 50 students ,who completed programs, will be awarded certificates or diplomas at a ceremony at the Townshend Theatre, beginning at 5 p.m. tonight.

This afternoon, students participating in the School Within A College initiative will be recognized.

The dual credit program allowed students to earn credits to finish high school and toward a College program.

Sewer Pipes Being Examined

The sewer pipes in Fort Frances are getting a look over beginning today.

Roto-Rooter has been hired to clean and making recordings of the pipe over the next three years to help identify defects.

As the air pressure may push water up, residents are being asked to keep the seats on toilets down, insert plugs in drains not in use and cover all basement floor drains as a precaution.

If there's an odour, it's suggested to pour water down drains and open windows to alleviate the smell

Rule Change Made In Dragon Boat Festival

Organizers of the upcoming Boundary Waters Dragon Boat Festival wants to see more teams.

To help, they've reduced the requirement for females on a team from eight to five.

Registration to enter is made by contacting NCDS

Quest For The Best Seeking Talent

Contestants are now being sought for Quest for the Best.

The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce's annual singing competition will again be a signature event at the upcoming Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championships.

Manager Anneley Armstrong says this year's performers will be judged by former winner Brittany Hayes and Atikokan blues singer Sunday Wilde.

Thirty-six hundred dollars in prizes are up for grabs.

Call the chamber office or visit its website to register.

New Forensic Building Opens

A new OPP forensic identification facility has opened in Kenora.

Commissioner Chris Lewis says it will deal with cases from across northwestern Ontario.

Lewis says the new forensic building was needed to handle the high volume of calls in the region.