Public Asked For Input

The public is now being asked to help Fort Frances come up with a brand.

A new survey has been created to assist in the initiative.

Consultant Tannis Drysdale says community input ensures the right brand is being developed.

The survey is found on the town's website or at the town office.

Mayor Questions New EDO Office

Some questions are being raised about the renovations at International Falls City hall.

Mayor Bob Anderson says he was surprised to see a new office being created for the town's economic development office, suggesting the move was being "slipped under the door."

Anderson says its sends the wrong message to taxpayers.

Other councillors say the move of the EDO office was always part of the plans and the costs are falling with an approved budget.

Warming Up To Festival Of Frost

Despite some negative reaction early on, the static display for Christmas floats in Fort Frances is now generating some positive interest.

One of the organizers of the new Festival of Frost, Robin Payeur says the event is shaping up every well.

Payeur says they now have at least ten floats, along with other events including pictures with Santa Claus, horses and sled dogs.

One of the floats will include a live nativity scene.

Payeur says they still have lots of room for others to take part.

The event goes November 30

Northwestern Health Unit Welcomes New Proposed Smoking Rules

Smiles all around at the Northwestern Health Unit.

The provincial government has introduced legislation that if passed, will ban smoking on playgrounds, sports fields, and restaurant and bar patios.

Youth Engagement Coordinator Catherine Kiewning says there's a lot of benefits to having smoke free outdoor spaces.


Kiewning is also pleased to see the proposed bill to double fines for those who sell tobacco to youth.

Funding Coming To Riverside

Some funding to assist local cancer patients is coming to Riverside Health Care Facilities.

The money from the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation will go to replace an IV pump and a specialized pharmacy cart that ensures the safe delivery of chemotherapy to area patients.

A formal presentation will take place tomorrow at LaVerendrye Hospital.

House Fire In Falls

The American Red Cross is stepping in to assist an International Falls family.

The family of seven, which includes five children, was forced from flee after a blaze Friday in their 22nd Street East home.

An official with International Falls Fire Department says the fire was contained mostly to the kitchen area.

It was started when something was left unattended on the stove.

Missing Teen Found

A Fort Frances teen who was the subject of a police search has been found.

OPP says 15-year-old Adrianna Copenace was found safe and sound in Mitaanjigaming First Nation on the weekend.

She has been reported missing last Wednesday.

Foundation Boosts Scholarship Award

Some more incentive for students in International Falls to get good grades.

The Rainy River Community College Foundation has increased its annual award for “Top of the Class” high school students from $2,000 to $3,000.

Top of the Class students are those whose grade point average is 3.5 or higher.

If eligible students maintain a 3.25 grade point average while enrolled at Rainy River Community College, the scholarship is renewed for another year.