Fire Situation Heating Up

MNR file photo

All quiet here, but the forest fire situation elsewhere in northwestern Ontario is heating up.

Debbie MacLean of the Ministry of Natural Resources says five new fires were spotted yesterday, bringing to 40 the number active.

Most were lightning strikes from storms that had passed through the area several days ago.

MacLean says the hazard sits at high and could peak to extreme by the weekend.

Kidpro/Parade Gone From FFCBC

The Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship has released its schedule for this year's event with a couple of glaring omissions.

Both the Kidspro and Parade of Boat are not listed as events this year.

No explanation from the organizing committee as to why.

The Kidspro allowed young anglers to fish in a tournament style event with the pro angling teams.

The parade was last cancelled in 2009 due to a lack of interest from anglers.

Kraft Happy With Local Match Up

It wasn't easy, but Kraft Canada is happy with the communities selected vying to be a part of its Celebration Tour.

Fort Frances and Dryden were among the twenty selected out of 620 submissions.

Kraft's Promotions Manager Sue Brooks says their bids best meet the criteria to advance.

Brooks encourages the communities to promote themselves as best they can get to get out as many people on voting day July 19th.

The winning community will earn a $25-thousand cash reward and a chance to host TSN's broadcast of its Sportscentre program.

Kraft will also bring in a variety of activities

Fourth of July Celebrations In International Falls

Rainy Lake CVB photo

Today's a holiday for our American friends celebrating the Fourth of July.

Festivities in International Falls focus around Smokey Bear park with games, crafters, food vendors and music getting underway at 11 this morning.

The main parade through the downtown core will start at 1 p.m. with a theme Honouring the Backus Community Centre.

There is also a kiddie parade starting at 12:30 p.m.

The day ends with a fireworks display lit off from the Falls High School track at 10 p.m.

Dragon Boat Club Coming Together

The recent success of the dragon boat races in Fort Frances is leading to the development of a club.

It will get a kick off tonight at 5:30 p.m.at the Sorting Gap Marina

NDCS's Jenny Greenhalgh says they hope to bring in trainers to generate more interest and have the boat used more often.

It's also expect a club will help expand the now growing dragon boat festival.

Those interested are asked to contact NCDS.

Tea Time At The Museum

Tea continues to be served at the Fort Frances Museum.

The museum began serving tea and scones as part of the Fort Frances Business Improvement Association's Market Thursdays.

Curator Sherry George says it ties in with a current exhibit of fine bone china that has been donated by area residents.

George says the teas have been well received, helping to attract new people to the Museum.

By-elections Date Panned

Ontario's opposition parties are crying foul over the premier's chosen date for five upcoming by-elections.

Progressive Conservative Lisa McLeod say Kathleen Wynne is playing "dirty tricks'' by sending voters to the ballot box just before the August long weekend.

All five by-elections are in Liberal-held ridings which McLeod claims gives the incumbent party a huge advantage with experienced workers already on the ground.