Union Deal Helps Resolute Plan For Restart

An agreement between Resolute Forest Products and the Communications Energy and Paperworkers Union will allow the company to restart an idled paper machine at its Fort Frances mill later this month.

Machine number 7 will run for two to three months beginning July 17.

CEP National Rep Stephen Boon says about 40 people, laid off earlier this year, will be asked to return.

He says the return will be voluntary and former workers who refuse won't be in fear of losing their severance or recall rights.

Boon says many workers who might be called back may have found new jobs and won't be able to return.


Boon says they are still hoping for some feedback from Resolute on what the long range plans are for the mill.

No Kid Pro Or Parade For Bass Tournament

2012 Kid Pro Winners

A lack of people to run them is to blame for the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship putting both the Kid Pro fishing tournament and Parade of Boats on hiatus this year.

The Kid Pro offered young people the chance to fish in a catch-and-release tournament style event with anglers competing in the main event.


President Gord Watson says there were angler concerns the event, held the Sunday before the main tournament, impacted on their ability to pre-fish.

But he says the main reason for it not going this year was the inability to find anyone to organize and run it.

Watson says similar issues faced the parade of boats.

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

Watson says if people step forward next year, both event could return.

Question of the Week

Will you miss the Kid Pro Fishing Tournament and Parade of Boats not taking place at this year's Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championships?

Let us know on our website 931theborder.ca.

In response to our last question, 67 per cent feel a need for a public nuisance by-law in Fort Frances.

Castin' For Cash Underway

Another bass fishing tournament gets underway this morning.

Sixty-three teams are competing in the Castin' for Cash Bass Tournament on Lake Despair.

Wayne and Pat Howard are the two-time defending champs.

Teams leave the docks this morning with first day weigh-ins at 4 p.m.

Lightning Blazing Up New Fires

MNR file photo

Multiple forest fire starts are beginning to put pressure on the Ministry of Natural Resources,

As many as 40 new fires have popped up in the past three days, all lightning caused.

One of the largest is about 40 kilometres northwest of Red Lake which has been mapped at 2,600 hectares as the result of several smaller fires joining as one.

None of the fires burning are in the Rainy River district.

Teddy Bear Picnic Today

FF Library photo

It's a Teddy Bear picnic at the Fort Frances Library today.

It begins at 11 a.m. and cost $3.00 per person.

Program director Andrea Avis says there will be a lot of activities for young children and their favourite bear to participate.

Dr. Elaine also returns to provide teddy bears in need.

Thunder Bay's Jim 'n' I will provide the day's musical entertainment.

People are welcome to bring blankets, lawn chairs and a picnic lunch, although there will be food sold on site.

And don't forget your favourite teddy bear.

Cold And Dry June In Borderland

It was a much colder and drier June in the Borderland.

The National Weather Service out of Duluth says the average temperature during the month in International Falls was about 15 C or 60.2 F  - about half a degree lower than normal.

Just 1.6 inches of rain were also recorded, more than two inches below the norm.

Acadia Buys New Station

Acadia Broadcasting is moving to add another radio station to its stable.

The parent company of  93.1 The Border has filed an application with the Canadian Radio Television and Telecommunications Commission to purchase CKNI-FM in Moncton, New Brunswick,

The Saint John based company currently owns ten stations across the Maritimes and northwestern Ontario.

from Rogers Broadcasting.

Target To Open In Thunder Bay Soon

Target will soon open its doors in northwestern Ontario.

The company has announced a July 16th opening of its store in Thunder Bay.

It will be located at the former Zeller's Store in Intercity Mall.