West June

The month of June turned out to be a wet month in the Borderland.

Climatologist Sandy Radecki says the 156 millimetres of rain that fell far exceeded normal levels.

"Typically you only get about 113 mm," says Radecki. "It came in the early part of the month. The latter part of the month was fairly dry. The first part of the month is seemed as if it was rainy every other day."

In fact, the weather station at the Fort Frances airport recorded rain on 21 of 30 days last month.

The average temperature for the month was 15 C, a degree lower than normal.

Caul Bridge Work Clarified

One lane of traffic will be kept open when work crews are on site at Caul Bridge on McIrvine Road in Fort Frances this summer.

Officials with the town and White Contracting confirmed the work schedule yesterday.

Northbound traffic will be required to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic.

Crews will not be on site on weekends allowing for both lanes to open.

The rehabilitation of the bridge is expected to complete by August 20.

Ball Fields Renamed

(One of two fields at Kerry Park to be renamed)


The city of International Falls is renaming two of its ball fields after two prominent figures in the city's sports community.

The fields at Kerry Park will be renamed in honour of Roger Jerome and Roger Bolstad.

Both men died earlier this year.

Jerome was active in many sports organizations, including the men's slow-pitch league.

Bolstad was prominent figure with the city's fastball teams.

A dedication ceremony is to be held at a later date.

Weststar Aquires Land

Another mining company is about to move into the Rainy River district.

Vancouver based Weststar Resources is paying out $175-thousand and 3-million in shares to acquire claims located north of Rainy River Resources' gold project in Richardson township.

The company has started the process towards further exploration.

Beardy Chats with Queen

The Grand Chief of the Nishbawbe Aski Nation is feeling good after his meeting with the Queen.

Stan Beardy met with her majesty prior to her departure from Toronto yesterday.

He says it was important she met with him because it means she respects First Nation's treaty rights.

AbitibiBowater Restructuring Plan

AbitibiBowater could end nearly eighteen months of creditor and bankruptcy protection on October 1 if its restructuring plan wins creditor support next month.

A meeting on the plan takes place August 26.

The plan would see unsecured creditors receiving between nothing and 48 per cent when their debt is converted to equity, depending on their class.

Current shareholders will walk away empty-handed.

Others fall somewhere in between, including workers who received no severance when their mills were shut over the past year.

Lions Give the Gift of Sound

(Carter Kinnear (seated) and his mother Tammy joins with members of the Fort Frances Lions Club and Jackie McCormick of the Enhanced Learning Centre to show of his near hearing aids)


The Fort Frances Lions Club is helping an 11-year-old area boy hear many sounds for the first time.

Carter Kinnear is sporting new hearing aids, paid for in part by a two-thousand dollar donation from the club.

His mother Tammy is appreciative of the gift for her son who has a hearing defect since birth.

"It's made Carter's life completely different," says Kinnear. "His learning ability and basic skills that we take for grant, such as hearing birds chirp he's never been able to hear before; that's a new experience for him."

"It's amazing," says Carter. "I feel like I can hear everything now."

Lion's past-president Jacques Fiset says club members felt obligated to help out.

"Being that the hearing aids are needed and the Lions motto and ethics is hearing and eyesight, we decided to fill our commitment and help purchase the hearing aids for him," says Fiset.

Carter received his new hearing aids three months ago.

Extended Learning Programs Eliminated

The Rainy River District School Board won't be offering any before or after school care for students attending full-day junior kindergarten at Atikokan's North Star School this fall.

Education Director Heather Campbell says only a handful of parents expressed interest in having their children taking part which wouldn't have been financially viable for the board.

Campbell says the decision does not prevent the board from offering the extended learning programs in future years.

MP's Earning Extra?

Two northwestern Ontario M-P's are in the spotlight.

New Democrats John Rafferty and Bruce Hyer are among 150 MPs who have outside business interests that could supplement their regular salary of $151-thousand a year.

Rafferty sees nothing wrong in that.

"I don't think its unreasonable to ask a member of Parliament or someone who's doing a public service for a short period time to wind up a viable business they'll likely be going back to after the election," says Rafferty.

Rafferty adds he has not seen any income from his communications and media monitoring business since he was elected.

Tour Du Fort Back Online

A new website for Tour Du Fort is finally on line.

President Kerry Zucchiatti says among the new features of Tourdufort.com is the ability to acquire passports or tickets online, including a new pick-three option giving concert goers the ability to select shows they want to see.

"By offering a few different purchase options we're hoping music lovers will pick something convenient for them and we'll see an increase in our attendance numbers," says Zucchiatti.

Zucchiatti says the new website is part of a new marketing strategy aimed better catering to the needs of its patrons and sponsors while pursuing new ones.

Wet July

It's turning out to be a wet July in the Borderland.

The U.S. National Weather Service says more than 6.18 or 15.6 centimetres of rain has fallen at International Falls since July 1st.

That breaks the old five-day record of 6.02 inches set back in August 1942.

Environment Canada says Fort Frances has already received a third of the rain it normally gets for July.

Annexation Hearings Start Today

A hearing into two competing annexation proposals involving the cities of International Falls and Rainer and Koochiching County gets underway today.

Ranier City Council approved a plan last June which proposed to annex lands around the city.

But Falls city officials expressed concerns because it included a foreign trade zone and put forward annexation plans of their own that the area.

Today's hearing at the Koochiching Court House includes two sessions for public comment this afternoon and tonight.

Missing Man Found

OPP divers have recovered the body of a man who had been missing since Canada Day after falling out of a boat on Rainy Lake.

The body of 43-year-old Robert Mainville of Couchiching First Nation was found in an area of Duck Bay yesterday morning.

The search by provincial police had been ongoing since last Thursday night when Mainville and another man fell into the lake.

The other man, whom police have not identified, was found alive that night and taken to LaVerendrye Hospital in Fort Frances for treatment.

Highway Closed

(Submitted photo)


A large sinkhole has closed Highway 11 west of Kashabowie.

Provincial Police says the sinkhole impacts both lanes of the highway and is located about 10 kilometres west of Burchell Lake Road.

Heavy rain is to blame.

The highway is not expected to reopen until crews complete repairs sometime today.

For motorists travelling to Thunder Bay from the Fort Frances area, it means having to detour through Highway 502 and Dryden.

Rainy Weekend

Isolated thunder storms and scattered showers blanketed northwestern Ontario over the weekend

Huge rainfall amounts were recorded across region.

The highest, 13 centimetres, was recorded at a weather station in Quetico Provincial Park at the Ontario-Minnesota border.

Another weather station at Quetico's northern boundary measured rainfall at 117 millimetres.

In Fort Frances, a total of 60 millimetres of rain fell Saturday night and Sunday morning.

Flooding to be Addressed

The mayor of Fort Frances says the town is working towards eliminating flooding of the Portage Avenue underpass in the future.

Responding to questioning over last Thursday's heavy rains that led to water pooling in the underpass, Roy Avis says it's something they hope to avoid in the future.

"There is another tender that's in the process of being let to do the pumping system," says Avis. "All this ties into the work we're doing at the Fifth and Third intersections. We're rerouting the storm sewers. It was just unfortunate we got a heavy rain like we did that day and it filled up. One of the pumps didn't have the capacity to move it."

Avis says the work recently done at the underpass focused only on the roadway itself.

Atikokan Mayor Seeks Another Term

One of the Rainy River district's longest serving municipal politicians is making a bid for re-election this fall.

Atikokan's Mayor Dennis Brown says he's vying for his another term as mayor.

"There are some good times for Atikokan," says Brown. "We're entering into a time we expect much better things to happen for the community and I just simply like to be a part of it to make sure it does go the way we see lining up."


Brown has been in municipal politics for 27 years, and Atikokan's mayor since 1997.

Children's Summer Programs Begin

The Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre kicks off its summer programming for children and teens today.

Different events will be held each day in the children's area which department head Andrea Avis says is benefiting from new technology.

"We have a smart table where kids can play games," says Avis. "There's lot of learning programs that are all loaded and all of the kids are working together and having a great time with that."

There are also a number of computers where children can surf the Internet with their parents permission.

Falls Wins Tug of War

It was the Americans coming out on top in the annual tug-of-war between Fort Frances and International Falls Friday.

It appeared the Canadians would earn a three-peat, but a hard tug near the end forced Fort Frances Mayor Roy Avis and his team to concede defeat.

"It was a good challenge. We fought hard, but we didn't make this time," says Avis. "We have to let them win at least once so the challenge will go out again next year."

Speaking for the Falls side, city administrator Rod Otterness was pleased their effort and looks forward to defending the title next year.

"It is fun to win," says Otterness, "there's no question about it. But the event from our perspective was exciting. There's a real scene of drama when the rope becomes taught and everyone beginnings pulling for their respective countries."

Plane Crash in Rainy River

A number residents lined-up to watch the Canada Day parade in Fort Frances were also witness to a float plane crashing into Rainy River yesterday morning.

The plane, ended up on its side, several feet from the American side of the river, just east of the Sorting Gap Marina with only its tail and left wing showing above water.

Emergency personnel from both sides of the border responded , as well as a private boater from the Fort Frances area.

The cause of the crash or whether anyone inside the plane was injured have not yet been released.

Rain Kicks of Canada Day in Borderland

It was a wet start to Canada Day in the Borderland yesterday morning.

Environment Canada says the area received more than 6-centimetres of rain in less than three hours, turning fields into lakes, leaving some roads washed out and some basements flooded.

In Fort Frances, the torrent of water quickly filled the Portage Avenue underpass, forcing one motorist to abandon their vehicle after it stalled in the high water in an attempt to drive through it.

Crews spent several hours pumping out the water before the roadway could be re-opened.

In Koochiching County, rainfalls were measured at 3-inches shattered a July 1st record set back in 1991.

HST in Effect

Customers in Ontario are now paying the new HST tax.

The levy kicked in yesterday and while some shoppers were annoyed at paying more for services like hair cuts, others in the province welcomed the tax.

Ontario Federation of Agriculture president Bette Jean Crews says many farmers will see savings on big-ticket items like irrigation systems and farm trucks.

HST is also be blamed for sharp increases in gasoline prices.

The harmonized sales tax is also being tacked onto the cost of renting a site at provincial parks.

Ontario Parks spokesperson Bruce Van Stall Dinen don't think the extra tax will impact reservations.

Camps sites, ranging from 25 to 40 dollars previously, increased by as much as $3.00 because of the HST.

Fall vs Fort

The town of Fort Frances and the city of International Falls will be a war today - well a friendly type of war anyway.

Residents on both sides of the border are being encouraged to come out to participate in the annual Tug-of-War between the two sister communities beginning at 12 noon.

Canadians gather at the Sorting Gap Marina while American combatants will assemble at Pat Roche Landing.

Fort Frances has won the last two events.

Body Recovered from Lake

Provincial Police have recovered the body of a missing man from Rainy Lake.

An OPP dive team located the body of 24-year-old Clayton Windigo yesterday morning, not far from where he went missing.

Windigo was last seen Sunday night while diving from a bridge on Highway 11 in the area of Bear's Pass when he entered the water, but failed to resurface.

Road Closure Today

There will be more traffic detours for motorists travelling to the north end of Fort Frances today.

Fifth Street, between Portage Avenue and Cornwall, is being closed beginning at 8 this morning, re-opening around noon.

Town officials say the closure is necessary because CN Rail is removing old railway track from within the roadway.

The work is not connected with the current road improvements being done along Portage Avenue.

Complex Future Still Uncertain

Fort Frances town officials say they're still uncertain what the impact Ontario's early learning program will have on the local Children's Complex.

Children as young as young as four could be attending full-day kindergarten in Fort Frances schools by the fall of 2011.

Chair of the town's Community Services Committee Councillor Andrew Hallikas says the impact on local day care services is still unknown.

"We have had meetings with local representatives of the boards of education, provincial representatives and current child care deliverers in the district," says Hallikas, "and the full impact of these changes is not yet clear."

The province is moving to make early learning available in all schools by 2014.

Airport Hanger Questions

Town councillors are raising some questions about what's inside the hangers at the Fort Frances airport.

They arose during discussion at Monday's meeting while council approved a new lease for one of the facilities.

Mayor Roy Avis noted the hanger had been used previously used as a storage unit.

"What I've been told being on council for the past thirteen years is that they're supposed to be used for aircraft," says Avis. "If it is to stimulate use of the airport, there should be an aircraft there."

Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says a clause in lease agreements prohibits the storage of items such as boats or trailers in the hangers.

More Help to Manitoba

A quiet forest fire situation in northwestern Ontario is allowing the Ministry of Natural Resources to send additional crews to battle fires in Manitoba.

Crews from Thunder Bay, Fort Frances, Pickle Lake, Greenstone and Red Lake will join five others from the East Fire region in northern Manitoba.

They join the over fifty MNR personnel who have been in the province since last week.

Quest Line-up Set

Quest for the Best now has a full slate of contestants.

A total of twenty performers will compete in the local singing show.

It's scheduled for July 22 as part of this year's Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship at the Memorial Sports Centre.

Tickets, including those for the special V.I.P. section, are now on sale at Canadian Tire or at the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce office.

Volunteers Needed

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is seeking more volunteers to help monitor the states rivers and lakes this summer.

Volunteers will be part of a program that collects information to help measure the health of the waters.

The M.P.C.A. says help is needed in a number of counties including Koochiching.

Library Under Budget

It's appearing the final tab on the new Fort Frances Library Technology Centre will come under budget.

There is still some exterior work to do, but Community Services Manager George Bell says total construction costs are still running about $63,000 less than the original budget of $4.2 million.

The cost to furnish the new facility is also under budget by about $21,000.

Official Plans Comes Back to Public

A draft of Fort Frances' official plan comes before the public for comment this week.

Consultant Greg Hynde says the document which sets out guidelines for development addresses a number of key issues.

"It does conform with the provincial policies, all of them," says Hynde, "including the growth plan. We put in some guiding principals for sustainability that he province wants in your document. We have new policies and designations for environmental protection."

The town will hold two public meetings Wednesday to gather public input.

Caul Bridge Work Changes

Repairs to the Caul Bridge in Fort Frances may not lead to a closure of McIrvine Road after all.

Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says the traffic over the bridge may be reduced to just one lane when the contractor begins improvements next week.

Brown says its also been determined the upgrades will only take two weeks to complete, half of what was initially thought.

Moffat Money Awards

(Mayor Roy Avis presents Moffat Family Fund cheque to members of the Fort Frances Girls Hockey Association)


Eight Fort Frances area organizations are sharing $37,500 in funding from the Moffat Family Fund.

Mayor Roy Avis handed out cheques to the recipients at Monday's council meeting.

The recipients were the Salvation Army ($10,000), KidsSport ($8,5000), United Native Friendship Centre ($5,000), Rainy River District Festival of the Arts ($3,500), Fort Frances Museum ($3,000), Fort Frances Highlanders ($2,000), Rainy River District Air Cadets ($3,000) and Fort Frances Girls Hockey Association ($3,500).

Bernier Passes

One of the most influential politicians northern Ontario has ever seen has passed away.

Former Kenora MPP Leo Bernier died over the weekend at the age of 81.

Bernier was a Cabinet minister in the Conservative government's of Bill Davis and Frank Miller, first elected to the Ontario Legislature in 1966.

He held the Northern Affairs portfolio from 1971 until 1985, retiring from politics in 1987.

Break-in Charges Laid

An area man faces charges in connection with a break-in and theft at a First Street home in Fort Frances over the weekend.

Provincial police says the owner left her home for only a few minutes only to return to find some prescription medication was taken.

Shortly after responding to that call, police stopped a vehicle for an unrelated matter, finding the missing medication in the driver's possession.

The 28-year-old man from Watten Township will now appear in court on charges of break and enter, possession of stolen property and failing to appear.

Search for Missing Man

Provincial police are searching for a man who is feared to have drowned in Rainy Lake last night.

Police say the man was diving with friends from a bridge on Highway 11 near the area of Bear's Pass, about 20 kilometres east of Fort Frances, when he entered the water and failed to re-surface.

Marine units and other officers have been on site since, but have been unable to locate the missing man.

His identify is known, but police are not released his name at this time.

Relays for Life Set Fundraising Record

(Eighty-five cancer survivors kicked off the Fort Frances Relay for Life with the traditional first lap)


A record-setting year for the Canadian Cancer Society with its Relay for Life fundraisers across northwestern Ontario.

The 440-thousand dollar mark was surpassed Friday with 21 teams participating in the Fort Frances event raising more than 54-thousand.

The Society's Fundraising Coordinator Margaret Saville says it was most ever raised through the 12-hour walks.

"That is truly an inspiration to all and I'm so grateful for all of the communities to come together to pull this off because it is amazing," says Saville.

Four teams at the Fort Frances event were near or above the $4,000 mark with Madison Degagne the top fundraiser collecting over $2,400.

I. Falls Celebrates Mill's 100th

(Boise's International Falls Mill Manager Bert Brown (left) joins with company president Alexander Toeldte to mark the mill's 100th year in operation)


One hundred years of paper making in International Falls was celebrated Friday.

Employees and their families and area residents gathered at Smoky Bear Park for festivities.

Mill Manager Bert Brown says it's the people that have helped keep the mill going for the past century.

"Really the cornerstone of the mill is the people," says Brown. "It's people inside the mill. It's relations they've built both inside and outside the mill and it's the community."

The mill opened in June 1910 under the guise of Minnesota and Ontario Paper Company, four years before the Fort Frances operation.

Water Restrictions In Effect Today

Water restrictions for Fort Frances and Couchiching First Nations go into effect today.

Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says the measures are necessary because of a inspection of the water tower.

Brown says they'll be look at a paint-job done inside the tank two years is holding up.

The restrictions will last for three weeks with non-essential water use limited to homes on an odd-even day basis.

New Plan for Medical School

The Northern Ontario Medical School has unveiled a new strategic plan for the next five years.

Dean Dr. Roger Strasser says it focuses on five key areas including improving education, research and the learning environment along with keeping faculty happy.

"I've think we've set ourselves ambitious, but realistic and achievable goals over the next five years," says Strasser.

Strasser says the ultimate goal is to have the school recognized internationally.

BIA to Lose Coordinator

The Fort Frances Downtown Business Improvement Association is moving ahead without the services of a full-time coordinator.

B.I.A. members decided at a recent meeting to let its long-time coordinator Patti Anderson go at the end of July.

Chair Connie Cuthbertson says its part of their restructuring plan.

"She's done a fabulous job for us," says Cuthbertson, "but it really comes down to us needing to have more money to do more projects. She's very graciously understood our position all along. It's just a necessity at this time."

Cuthbertson says it's hoped the money saved can be used for other projects promoting downtown businesses.

Abattoir Get Award

The Rainy River District Regional Abattoir in Emo has been honoured by the province with a Premier's Awards for Agri-food innovation excellence.

Board president Steve Lowshaw accepted the award during a ceremony in Thunder Bay yesterday.

"It's very humbling and satisfying to see the recognition that was given to the work we've put into that innovation," says Lowshaw. "The next steps are to continue developing further markets, processing in the area. Help sustain and develop the agriculture industry with that facility."

The Abattoir has been in operation since February.

Boise Celebrates

Boise is celebrating 100 years of paper manufacturing in International Falls today.

The mill is holding celebrations at Smokey Bear Park with both Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty and Congressman Jim Obestar expected to attend.

The first paper was made at the mill on June 6, 1910.

Relay For Life in Fort Tonight

Organizers of Fort Frances' Relay for Life are promising the fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society to be the most exciting its ever been.

It's being held tonight at Fort Frances High School.

Committee member John Homer says they also have an indoor option if the weather turns nasty.

"We have access to the gym," says Homer, "and we will be inside the gym if it rains. That's one of the great things about this new venue. As much as the (Pither's) Point was a great place. If it rained, we had to be outside in the rain. We don't have to be there this year."

Opening ceremonies will begin at 6 p.m. with the survivor's walk kicking off the 12-hour event at 7 p.m.

Graduation for Fort High

It was a time to offer congratulations for graduating students from Fort Frances High School last night

One-hundred and 33 students received diplomas at ceremonies held at the Memorial Sports Centre last night.

Principal Al McManaman says area residents should feel proud of the class of 2010.

"I look back at the good things the kids did in terms of doing well on their assignments and tests" says McManaman. "We have a good group of kids representing our community who shown through community service and raising money for the Haitian relief effort. That kind of thing shows really well for our student body and our community."

Shane Beck was this year's valedictorian.

Alberton Accepts Group Homes

Alberton township council is to allow group homes within certain parts of its township.

Council approved changes to its zoning by-law Wednesday night - almost a year after Weechi-ti-win Family Services' failed attempt to relocate its training and learning center to the community.

Councillor Mike Ford says the changes are not about restricting anyone from setting up a home in the future.

"This is just about land," says Ford, "how land is used now - how land is used in the future. It's not dealing with what's on the land or who's on the land."

Group homes will be permitted in areas zoned rural or rural residential, but must meet certain criteria.

New Arena Planned for Atikokan

The town of Atikokan is looking to replace its arena.

Mayor Dennis Brown says a leak from the nearby swimming pool four years ago is believed to have caused damaged to the arena's ice surface, and doesn't think spending half-a-million dollars to fix the problem makes good sense.

"Because of the age of the arena and other things that need replacing, such as the boards, glass and refrigerated floor system, we should instead build a new arena," says Brown.

Brown says they're looking at an 800-seat facility that may include a fitness centre and walking track and attached the existing pool facility.

Costs are estimated at between $5-and-7-million.

Moose Research

Researchers from Ontario and Minnesota are gathered in International Falls Thursday to discuss the future of moose in their areas.

The one-day symposium examined the issues impacting moose populations such as climate change, disease and environment.

Hunter Fined

A Timmins, Ontario man has been banned from hunting for one year after being found guilty of shooting a deer on private property.

Sylvain Gravel was charged last year.

Court was told he admitting to shooting the deer to a Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officer who was investigating a complaint of a hunter trespassing on private land near Split Rock Road in Sifton township, northeast of Fort Frances.

Gravel was also fined three-thousand dollars.

Canada Day Preparations

Canada Day festivities are shaping up in the town of Fort Frances.

Organizer Dawn Booth says they have a full schedule of events planned for next Thursday, thanks in part to the response received in a call for help last month.

"Considering six weeks ago we were pretty much done and over with, we've made a pretty positive turn," says Booth. "Hopefully it will continue in this fashion and this year we'll be successful and next year we'll continue to grow."

The planning committee is now seeking entrants for the Canada Day parade which will run back along the Fort Frances waterfront.

Rainy River H.S. Graduation Held

The class of 2010 at Rainy River High School was recognized at graduation ceremonies held at the high school Wednesday night.

A total of 33 students received diplomas.

Principal Jim Chorney says the year overall was a positive one for the graduating students.

"We've introduced some new programs," says Chorney, "like our outdoor education program which has been a big hit and will hopefully continue to grow. Hopefully they have all matured and all enjoyed the year and ready for the next step."

Alica Joduin was this year's valedictorian.

Mining Results Released

A mining company conducting exploration activities near Babbit, Minnesota, is expressing some optimism with the release of its latest findings.

Franconia Minerals is looking at develop an underground mine at Birch Lake for copper, nickle, platinum and palladium.

The company says the latest results are helping to adequately determine how much resources are available.

District Hit by Vandals

The Rainy River district continues hit by senseless acts of vandalism.

Provincial Police says over the weekend, a vehicle was used to cause damage to the parking lot at the LaVallee Fire Monument.

The Emo Soccer Fields were also torn up by a vehicle driving on the grass before leaving tread marks behind on the concrete pad of a nearby picnic area.

Three signs at the north end of Highway 613 were spray painted.

And last Thursday, a home in Emo was sprayed with an oily substance.

Police say they're looking for any information from the public to aid in their investigation.

FACS Consider Merger

Two northwestern Ontario children's aid agencies are looking to become one.

Family and Children Services Rainy River and the Kenora-Patricia Child and Family Services are seeking provincial approval to merge effective April 1, 2011.

Rainy River board chair Bob McGreevy says funding challenges led them to explore the idea.

"At the outset that was clearly the motivation for us to seek partnerships," says McGreevy. "However as we move through this it's become clear this is a process that will strengthen both organizations."

McGreevy admits there will be some staffing changes, but all of those details still have to be worked out.

College Honours Area Grads

(A record 61 graduates from Confederation College's campus in Fort Frances received diplomas and certificates at Tuesday's Convocation Ceremonies at the Townshend Theatre)


An Atikokan woman has won Confederation College's highest awards a graduating student can receive - doing so without stepping into a classroom.

Barbara Kwasnicia earned three awards, including the prestigious Governor General's Academic Medal, after completing the Social Service Worker program through distance education.

She's the College's first distance ed student to receive the award.

"I hope that it just shows not only other people in the region who have to access education through distance education," says Kwasnicia, "that you don't have to be fresh out of high school to do it and anyone who wants it bad enough can be successful."

Kwasnicia was one of a record 61 students to receive diploma and certificates at Convocation ceremonies held Tuesday night for graduates from the campus in Fort Frances.

Praise for New Library

Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre is getting high some praise.

Wendy Newman, a senior fellow at the University of Toronto applauds the introduction of audio and video conferencing technology.

She says increased local use can help convince others still reluctant about the technology.

"This is one of the respects in which the north and communities that are farther away can actually be the teachers," says Newman, "be the people who say this works and here's how and join us and let's get this done."

Newman says the technology can save both time and money for businesses and increase training opportunities for staff.

Chiefs Meeting Continues

First Nation Leaders from across the province resume their meetings at Couchiching First Nations today (Wednesday).

They're here for the Ontario Chiefs Conference.

Regional Chief Angus Toulouse says they're tackling a number of issues.

"Education, the inequity in terms of the kind of funding that we do get from government, the inequity in social justice," says Toulouse. "You name it, the various sectors that need First Nations leaders redress."

Today's (Wednesday's) session is to be highlighted by a visit from Assembly of First Nation Chief Shawn Atleo.

Rent Guidelines in Place

Ontario's rent increase guideline for 2011 has been set at 0.7 per cent.

The guideline is the maximum amount a landlord can increase the rent of most sitting tenants without seeking approval of the Landlord and Tenant Board.

The government says it's the lowest guideline in the 35-year history of Ontario rent regulation.

SuperCorp. Protest

The opposition and labour groups are raising the alarm over talk of creating a so-called SuperCorp.

It would oversee a portion of provincial electricity, liquor and lottery assets that could potentially be sold off.

Premier McGuinty says no decision has been made, but admits his government is considering such a sale to raise money.

Minnesota Civic Leaders Meet

Minnesota mayors, city council members and city administrators are getting together in St. Cloud this week to focus on their financial problems.

The League of Minnesota Cities holds its annual conference starting today (Wednesday).

The conference will focus on financial strategies for weathering the economic downturn and declining state aid.

Monopoly Passes on Northwestern Ontario Cities

Northwestern Ontario cities have been told "Do Not Pass Go and Do Not collect 200 dollars."

Both Kenora and Thunder Bay failed in their bids to earn a place on the new Canadian Edition of Monopoly.

The city of Winnipeg is also not on the board.

The only northern Ontario community on the board is North Bay.

Library Official Opening

Library patrons and supporters gathered with staff, board members and dignitaries yesterday to mark the official opening of the Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre.

Library Board Chair Joyce Cunningham says the opening was more than just for a traditional library.

"The dream has never been just about bricks and mortar," say Cunningham. "Today is not a mere celebration about a building or the technology within it. It's about having community access to possibilities that we have only just started to explore."

Fundraising chair Mark Kowalchuk says the day was both an end and beginning to era's in the library's history.

"We mark on one hand the end of a project that took fifteen years to complete from start to finish," says Kowalchuk. "On the other hand, we mark the beginning for a new facility that will open the doors to the world for everyone through books, technology and rich ongoing menu of program offerings."

Several dignitaries were on hand, including Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton who said the new facility was a huge step forward for the area.

"Education and technology and learning has always been important," says Hampton. "But in the world we live in now it is more important than ever. Fort Frances should be proud that it has taken a leadership and is well positioned for that 21st century economy."

No provincial cabinet ministers were on hand, but plaques presented on their behalf were presented to the Library for display.

The $4.7 million project was paid for through government grants and public and private donations.

Falls Books Look Good

The city of International Falls is in good financial shape.

That according to Don Zierke of Miller McDonald who looked at the city's book for last year.

"In the general fund you're in good shape," says Zierke. "Obviously you have 69 per cent but considering the cuts that may be coming in the state level that's to your benefit because it can help offset some of those cuts."

Finance committee chair, councillor Cynthia Jacksa says given the challenges faced over the past couple of years, the audit's findings were gratifying.

HST Ad

Premier Dalton McGuinty is taking to the airwaves to tell Ontario consumers the HST is strong "Strong Medicine.''

In the 60-second spot, McGuinty says the blended sales tax is the next step in the provincial government's plan to grow the economy.

The television spot can also be viewed online until the HST takes effect on July 1.

Rail Line Blocked

The chief of Batchewana First Nation, near Sault Ste. Marie, says an agreement giving natives a point-of-sale exemption from the GST portion of the HST isn't good enough.

Band members are blocking a rail line that passes outside the band office.

Both the federal and Ontario governments agreed to give the exemption starting in September.

But Chief Dean Sayers says there's no reason it can't take effect July 1st.

Chiefs Meetings Begin

First Nation Leaders from across the province are gathering in Couchiching First Nations today for the start of the annual Ontario Chiefs Conference.

Three days of talks will focus on issues such as First Nations rights and jurisdiction, health, education and the HST.

Duel Credit Program Funding

The provincial government is putting almost $1.3 million into a college and high school program.

The Duel Credit program allows area students to get college credits while still in high school.

Confederation College President Pat Lang says it helps students find the right course.

"This gives students an opportunity to study both at college and in their high school years to study college-level credits to understand what those opportunities are all about," says Lang.

The provincial money will fund the program for the upcoming school year.

School on the Move

A Fort Frances school has been recognized by the Ministry of Education as a 'School on the Move.'

Principal Teresa Dennis says the designation for St. Francis School recognizes the progress its made in student achievement in the areas of numeracy and literacy.

"They are working, not only in academics which we have very high expectation throughout the school," says Dennis, "but also working on spiritual growth, character development and we consider those as the cornerstones of the learning process."

Dennis says credits the entire school community for the school being just one of 33 schools and the only one in northern Ontario to be given the designation.

MNR Firefighters Off to Manitoba

The Ministry of Natural Resource has sent more help to battle forest fires in other provinces.

Yesterday, firefighters from the Fort Frances, Kenora, Red Lake, Dryden and Sioux Lookout areas were dispatched to The Pas, Manitoba.

Two waterbombers and birddog aircraft were also sent.

The MNR also has personnel in Quebec and the Northwest Territories.

Meantime, it was a busy weekend for remaining Ministry of Natural Resources firefighters in northwestern Ontario.

Sixteen new fires were reported caused by lightning and the high winds that went through the area.

The Fort Frances fire region had eight new starts.

All were small in size and started as a result of trees falling across hydro lines.

Fires were located in and around Nichol Lake, Finland, Crystal Lake Beach, Mine Centre and Factor Lake Road.

Rainy River Aquires More Land

Rainy River Resources is purchasing more property in the Rainy River district.

The company is paying out $100-thousand and 50-thousand shares for a patented claim covering 160 acres from an unnamed owner.

Rainy River Resources is conducting gold exploration in the area of Black Hawk, 25 kilometres north of Barwick.

The purchase must still be approved by the TSX Venture Exchange.

MPs Take Break

MPs have started their 12-week summer break.

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty says the recent session of Parliament was a roller coast of success for him.

"There have been highs. There have been lows," says Rafferty. "The whole session was highlighted by Conservative mismanagement, fiscal mismanagement and Liberal ineffectiveness."

Rafferty was happy that his private member's bill on workers pensions was able to reach the committee level and expects it to come back for a final vote in the fall.

Electric Car Incentives Offered

The Ontario government is offering consumers a rebate of between $5,000 and $8,500 if they buy a new plug-in hybrid or fully electric vehicle after July 1.

The rebates will only be offered to the first ten-thousand applicants who qualify.

Ontario is aiming to have one out of every 20 vehicles in the province be electrically powered by 2020.

Currently, none of the major automakers sell purely electric vehicles in Canada, but many expect to have battery-powered cars on the market by 2012.

HST Exemption Given

The federal government says Ontario can allow First Nations people to have a point of sale exemption on the harmonized sales tax.

Aboriginal people in Ontario have been exempt from the provincial sales tax for decades, and were threatening road closures during the G8/G20 summits if they didn't get an HST exemption.

The exemption though won't come into effect until this September.

Native people will still have to submit receipts to receive refunds on purchases made between July 1 and August 31.

Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak says he'll be pushing for more HST exemptions now that First Nations have secured theirs.

He says the premier wants to give First Nations a break, but asks about seniors who can't pay their hydro bills.

Eye Van Adds New Service

The Canadian National Institute for the Blind is allowing northern Ontario residents the chance to be screened for diabetes at its Eye Van.

Executive Director Monique Pilkington says they're teaming up with the Northern Diabetes Health Network to provide people with access to a diabetes educator.

"The diabetes program is actually a drop-in," says Pilkington. "Although you need to have an appointment with the Eye-Van, it will be a drop-in service. Even community members are invited to come by and see the diabetes educator.

The Eye Van makes stops in Atikokan, Fort Frances and Rainy River beginning July 5.

Telemedicine Reaches Milestone

The Ontario Telemedicine Network says more than 100-thousand patients accessed health care through videoconferencing and tele-diagnostic equipment throughout the province over the past year.

CEO Dr. Ed Brown says that's a significant milestone, but just the tip of how telemedicine will be used in the future.

"We all feel like we're really just actually starting," says Dr. Brown, "because our goal is to really make this a mainstream part of the health care system, to really improve access care for patients, to reduce the burden of travel of them and their family and to help them with quality issues."

The network has been in place since 1998 with the service made available to the Rainy River district in 2002.

Golfers Wanted

Golfers are still be welcomed to participate in next weekend's RBC Charity Golf Classic at Kitchen Creek Golf Course.

Local branch manager Heather Johnson says the event helps raises money for Riverside Health Care Facilities chemotherapy department.

"Our whole focus is really cancer care," says Johnson. "Chemotherapy plays a big part in the that where they can be at home and still receive that care and medical expertise where they're close to family."

Registration forms can be picked up at the golf course or by calling Lisa Plourde at 274-7271.

Board Happy with EQAO Results

The Rainy River District School Board is pleased with the results of recent provincial literacy testing of its high school students in April.

Eighty-two per cent met or exceeded provincial standards.

Education Director Heather Campbell says that's on par from previous years.

"Although there was a slight decrease of 2 per cent from our last year's results, over time we continue to have strong results in the literacy tests," says Campbell. "We also managed to reduce our deferral rate. It means more students writing the test as opposed to postponing the writing of the test."

Campbell says the strong scores are the result of successful education programs in place.

Individual schools results show Atikokan High School had an 87-per cent success rate. Rainy River High was at 82 per cent and Fort Frances High in at 81 per cent.

Full-Day Kindergarten at St. Michael's

The implementation of an all-day kindergarten program at St. Michael's School in Fort Frances will mean little change.

Education Director for the Northwest Catholic District School Board Mary-Catherine Kelly says Tuesday's announcement expands the school's current program.

"We have always offered the junior kindergarten program as twice a week and alternating Fridays," says Kelly. "We've been doing that on our accord, our own dime so to speak. So we are highly committed to a full-day kind of program."

Kelly says the board also received $100-thousand for school upgrades to permit the program for the fall of 2011.

Indian Act to be Updated

Ottawa will strike out sections of the Indian Act that allowed the government to set up residential schools and remove children from their homes.

Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl made the announcement as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission began in Winnipeg.

Strahl added it's important to ensure First Nations education is reformed and strengthened to improve aboriginal high school graduation rates.

HST Protests Planned

First Nations leaders are ready to roll out blockades across Ontario even though they expect to reach an accord by Friday with Ottawa and the province for a break under the new harmonized sales tax.

The protests are set to kick off Monday morning with a blockade of the railway in Batchewana First Nation, near Sault Ste. Marie.

But the protest will be called off once First Nations leaders ink the tax deal with the federal and Ontario governments.

2nd Street Detour Planned

A section of Second Street in Fort Frances is being shutdown next week.

The road between Victoria Avenue and Mowatt Avenue will be closed for about ten days starting next Tuesday at 11 a.m.

Traffic control signage will be installed to re-routed traffic onto First or Third Streets.

The closure is to allow contractors working on Portage Avenue to begin work on the section between First and Third Streets.

Body Still Unidentified

(Tent were woman's body was discovered last June near Kenora - OPP Photo)

Provincial police in Kenora are asking for the public's help to identify human remains found one year ago in that city.

The body of a female was found in a small tent in a wooded area near Miller Rapids Road.

An investigation revealed the deceased was at that site for no longer than a week before her body was discovered.

Police don't believe foul play was a factor in her death.

The woman was light-skinned, between 26 and 50 years, about five-foot-five, 10 pounds, with shoulder length light brown hair.

Show Your Canadian Swagger

The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce wants local businesses to show their Canadian Swagger.

Manager Anthony Mason says its part of a contest they're running for upcoming Canada Day.

"They just, in the windows of their businesses, create a theme promoting Canada Day," says Mason, " and just put the swagger kick on it."

Businesses must inform the Chamber of their entries with the winners selected June 30.

Robert Moore School Remembered

A celebration of Robert Moore School last night.

Students and teachers, past and present, gathered to reminisce and enjoy talent from current students.

Event organizer and teacher Cynthia Donald says it gave people a chance to visit the school one final time

"It is a big part of this town," says Donald, "so I thought, you know, people see it and think its going to be here forever. There's just so much history with it."

Vice-principal Cam Keast says last night was a time to reminisce.

"A lot of people are here to look at some of the memorabilia that's been placed around the school to see," says Keast. "It's just great to see such a nice turnout tonight."

Vivian Olson, a student in 1942, was among those to return.

"I really loved public school," says Olson. "That's why I kept this autograph book from way back when. I got all these people in it and teacher who wrote in it. Some painted little pictures."

Grace Roy a graduate from the class of 1949 walked the halls again with many fond memories

"All my family went here," says Roy. "All my brothers and sisters had the same teacher. She was Joan Brown and become Joan Benson. Everyone of us had her and there's a 24-year span from the oldest to the youngest."

The school closes its doors after 97 years with students moving to new facilities in the fall.

Full-Day Kindergarten Announced for Fort Frances

The new Robert Moore School will among two Fort Frances schools to offer full-day kindergarten in the fall of 2011.

Education Director for the Rainy River District School Board Heather Campbell says the new school will be prepared to handle the young students.

"When we designed the new Robert Moore we had already designed two additional classrooms to accommodate the early learning program," says Campbell. "Talking to our community partners we realize there will be great interest in Fort Frances so we definitely looked to the new school."

Early learning for four and five-year-olds will also be offered at St. Michael's School.

This fall the program will be offered in Atikokan at St. Patrick's School and North Star Community School.

More Public Input Requested

A call for more public input at Fort Frances town council meetings.

Residents wanting to address council must first seek permission to be added an agenda.

John Reader says he's like that changed.

"I find it frustrating that while we can attend the regular council meetings we can't say anything unless we're on a formal agenda," says Reader. "Is there anyway the public can comment or participate without having an appointment."

Reader also wants more opportunities for the public at budget time than the two sessions now provided at the beginning and end.

HST Deal for Natives Pending

The federal government is reportedly set to give aboriginals a major concession on Ontario's new harmonized sales tax.

The move comes amid threats that protesters will "shut down the country'' during the upcoming G8 and G20 summits.

Until this month, Ottawa had ignored natives' pleas for a province-wide point-of-sale exemption from the HST after it takes effect on July 1.

MNR Fire Crews to Quebec

Additional Ontario fire personnel are being dispatched to Quebec to assist on a 12-hundred hectare fire burning northwest of Montreal.

Twenty-one personnel were dispatched on Monday and the ministry says an additional 42 are being sent today.

Ontario also has two forest fire behaviour specialists assisting in the Northwest Territories.

Blue-Green Algae Bloom Warning

The Northwestern Health Unit is advising the public to be alert for blue-green algae blooms.

The blooms are blue-green and may cover the water with a florescent paint-like scum.

Fresh blooms smell like freshly cut grass while older blooms smell like rotting garbage.

Public Health Inspector Brian Norris says there can be health effects associated with them.

"Human health effects from contact with these toxins may include itching, irritated eyes and skin," says Norris. "If the toxins are swallowed, symptoms such as headaches, fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting may occur."

If you experience any of these symptoms contact your physician.

Mobile Signs Debate Continues

An attempt to place limits on the usage of portable mobile signs in Fort Frances failed to reach a resolve at town council Monday night.

A vote on a maximum 8-month period was defeated in a split vote after Councillor Andrew Hallikas was had to leave the meeting before the vote was taken.

Mark Belluz, of Belluz Concrete and Rental which rents the signs, sought a 10-month limit, feeling a six-month limit, as outlined in a proposed by-law was too short.

"You're really restricting a business in only generating income on a half a year on a long term rent," says Belluz.

Chief Building Official Rick Hallam worries a length time frame would impact on the intent of the proposed by-law of better regulating the signs usage.

Council is to vote again on the matter when it knows it has a full quorum.

No Action Taken on Rainy Lake Hotel Request

Fort Frances town council opted not to take any action on a local businessman's request to hold off on any demolition of the former Rainy Lake Hotel.

President of Causeway General Insurance Brokers Mario Galluzzo had asked council to explore the possibility of turning the former hotel into a small business office complex.

But councillors decided last night they won't do anything with the request until the town has a more direct involvement in the disposition of the site which may not happen for at least another year.

Bridge Contract Awarded

A Kakabeka Falls company has been awarded the contract to repair the Caul Bridge in Fort Frances.

White Contracting is expected to begin its work July 5.

Town officials say it will mean a closing of McIrvine Road at the bridge until work is complete by the end of the month.

Cost of the project is pegged at about $210-thousand.