Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Stratton Debate Tonight


Candidates in the Thunder Bay-Rainy River riding gather tonight in Stratton for the first of three debates this week.

NDP incumbent John Rafferty says he's he's ready to discuss the issues which his challengers.

"I do make sure I'm up to snuff on our platform in any number of areas," says Rafferty. "There can always be some odd questions your not prepared and you want to make sure you have the knowledge of your platform behind you."


Liberal Candidate Ken Boschoff says he's ready.

"You essentially be always prepared," says Boshcoff. "You should know your facts. You should know your policies and you should know why you're running. I feel I'm ready for the debate as if it is right now."







Conservative Candidate Maureen Comuzzi-Stehman says it's an opportunity to present her party's platform.

"I'm going with a strong message that our government is leading with," says Comuzzi-Stehman. "Our economy is coming out of the worse economic recession since World War II. Our government has a proven record. Our taxes are low. We're creating jobs and I'm sticking to that good message."



Green Party Candidate Ed Shields says the debates are something new for him.

"I'm a research scientist and not a politician," says Shields. "I'm not used to debating. I'm used to sitting and thinking and writing long papers so it's a whole new experience for me."

The debate in Stratton will be held at Our Lady of the Way School beginning at 7 p.m.

All questions will be posed by audience members.

There will also be an opportunity to meet the candidates prior and after the debate.

Harper Visits Thunder Bay


Prime Minister Harper is waking up in Thunder Bay this morning.

Last night, he rallied party faithful, saying electing a Conservative in the northwest is no long just a dream.

"You have taken us farther in this area than anyone thought possible even a few short years ago," says Harper, "winning our first seat here, in Kenora, in a hundred years in the last election."

Harper remains in Thunder Bay this morning for an announcement at the Regional Health Sciences Centre.

Rate Increase Approved



The Ontario Energy Board has approved a rate increase for the Fort Frances Power Corporation.

CEO Jorge Ruppenstein says the 3 per cent adjustment impacts items not under their control.

"About twenty per cent of your bill is actually the Fort Frances Power Corporation," says Ruppenstein. "Eight per cent is other stakeholders throughout the industry and we are the collection agency for all of these stakeholders."

Ruppenstein says the increase does not take into account a local rebate that's given annually to Fort Frances Power users.

CCAC Contract


The Ontario Nurses Association has a new contract with the Northwest Community Care Access Centre.

ONA President Linda Haslam-Stroud says the deal addresses wages, but their members with CCAC remain the lowest paid in the province.

"There has been some normative wage increases," says Haslam-Stroud, "but at least they're equivalent to another northern CCAC at one of the higher levels of the grid. There still a lot of work to do on wages."

Haslam-Stroud hopes to further address the wage issue in provincial negotiations.

Former Falls Mayor to be Honoured

A long time mayor of International Falls and World War II vet is to be recognized by the city.

City Administrator Rod Otterness says a seaplane base on Rainy River will be renamed in honour of Jack Murray.

"I can think of any more fitting than recognizing Jack Murray," says Otterness. "He clearly loves International Falls. He wears the town on his chest, literally, with his 'I Love International Falls' button."

Murray was a marine aviator during World War II in the Pacific, and held office for 28 years, 14 as mayor.

A formal dedication ceremony will be held at a later date.

Monday, April 18, 2011

No Debate in Atikokan

There will be no candidate's debate in Atikokan this federal election.

The Atikokan Chamber of Commerce was hoping to have the debate tonight, but couldn't confirm the attendance of Conservative Candidate Maureen Comuzzi-Stehman because of a visit to Thunder Bay by Prime Minister Harper.
Because of other conflicts, no other alternative date could be found.

All four of the candidates for Thunder Bay-Rainy River will be at debates tomorrow in Stratton and Wednesday in Fort Frances.

Tug of War Taking Shape



Some of the details of this summer's tug of war between Fort Frances and International Falls have been revealed.

Fort Frances Councillor Rick Wiedenhoeft says there are two separate events planned for July 2.

"One (will be) Fort Frances council versus the International Falls council with some celebrities attached the rope,," says Wiedenhoeft. "There will be twenty pulling against twenty. That will go first. We are going to have a tug-of-war between the Americans and Canadians with fifty (pullers) versus fifty."

A new trophy will also be handed out to the winners.

MNR In Training


The Ministry of Natural Resources has wrapped up a training program for some its employees.

MNR Manager Dave Cleavely says the forum was geared towards senior staff from across northwestern Ontario.

"we brought over one hundred crew leaders into Dryden and we're concentrating on leadership and safety," says Cleavely. "These are our front-line supervisors who take our firefighters into the bush every summer so we want to make sure they have the tools and know the techniques that make our people safe."

Cleavely says the course included a look at new safety guidelines that ensure the safety of workers.

Chambers Adds New Members



The International Falls Chamber of Commerce has some new board member.

Todd Coulombe, manager of International SuperValu of the Falls, and Vera Schumann of the Rainy Lake Medical Centre will join the 12-member board on May 1 for three year terms.

Bob Anderson is the board's new chair.

Summer Company Program Returns


The Northwest Business Centre is offering students a unique summer job opportunity.

Spokesperson Mike Greaves says it will again offer its 'Summer Company' program.

"It's an opportunity for students who are looking for a summer job, they can create their own job by starting their own business and being their own boss," says Greaves. "It's a great opportunity to get a different type of summer work experience."

Over the past 5 years, the program has helped develop 15 young entrepreneurs across the Kenora and Rainy River districts.

Festival Results from Friday

Shawn Brady was the lone multi-winner in the French Drama Division of the Rainy River District Festival of the Performing Arts on Friday.

Brady picked up two first-place wins as well as a second-place certificate.

The festival resumes April 28 with instrumental performances.

Here is a list of all winners from Friday.


FESTIVAL RESULTS - FRENCH DRAMA DIVISION, April 15, 2011

CLASS F104-A (II)
FIRST - Alyssa Chaisson
SECOND - Ian Jodoin

CLASS F104-B (III)
FIRST - Maddie Sanders
SECOND - Graham Kitt

CLASS F104-C (II)
FIRST - Savannah Chapman
SECOND -Brielle Byma

CLASS F406
FIRST - St. Francis School, Grades 5 and 6

CLASS F103-A (I)
FIRST - Mackenzie Borger

CLASS F103-A (II)
FIRST - Siobhan MacKintosh
SECOND - Katelin Gurniak

CLASS F103-B
FIRST - Maggie Gurski
SECOND - Naomi McManaman

CLASS F103-D
FIRST - Mackenzie Wright
SECOND - Aiden Tullio

CLASS F104-A
FIRST - Shawn Brady
SECOND - Shanleigh Fryer

CLASS F104-B(I)
FIRST - Tianna Veldhuisen
SECOND - Nick Piotrowski

CLASS F104-C
FIRST - Ashley Dupuis
SECOND - Julia Quast

CLASS F104-D
FIRST - Cameron Penney
SECOND - Shawn Brady

CLASS F110-A
FIRST - Badiuk and Jordan Bruyere

CLASS F110-B(I)
FIRST - Kyle Knapp and Mitchell Riodon

CLASS F110-B(II)
FIRST - Jordan Taggart and Cameron Turriff

CLASS F110-C(I)
FIRST - Claire Hyatt, Ana Stopa and Courtney Williams

CLASS F110-C(II)
FIRST - Alexandra Adrian and McKenna Begin

CLASS F202-A
FIRST - Shawn Brady

Friday, April 15, 2011

Bass Tournament Help Coming


The town of Fort Frances appears ready to help organizers of the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship.

Town councillors yesterday indicated a willingness to accept most of items requested except free use of the Memorial Sports Centre

Councillor Ken Perry was among those to express concerns with that plan.

"Giving free ice time or free rental and then the Bass tournament charging the (Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce) for rent for Quest for the Best in our facility that we're charging (them) nothing, you'd hear from me later if you didn't hear from me now," says Perry.

Efforts will instead be made to access funding through the Rainy River Future Development Corporation that could be applied to this year's fees.

Bass Tournament Looks to Move


This could be the final year that the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Tournament is held indoors.

Tournament officials confirm they're looking at a return to the waterfront as early as next year.

Committee member Jim Cumming says a committee will be struck after the July event to study the benefits of moving back outdoors.

The tournament moved to the Memorial Sports Centre for the first time last year.

Male Abuse Services Coming This Summer


It could be a couple of months before new services for male victims of sexual abuse are available in the Rainy River district.

Riverside Counselling Services of Fort Frances is part of a joint effort to bring services to the north.

Executive Director Jon Thompson says it's the first time government has provided such funding.

"The issues have long been with us in our society," says Thompson, "but this is the first initiative in Canada and in Ontario recognizing the importance of sexual abuse and the recovery from it and having services and supports throughout the province to assist that."

Thompson says having services in place also help agencies better determine the number of men needing help.

More Highway Trouble


The Ministry of Transportation is reporting a partial closure of Highway 602 this morning.

The eastbound lane, just south of the Bone Road, has been shutdown due to a collapse of an embankment.

All eastbound traffic approaching the area must yield to oncoming traffic.

New Boating Tests in Place


Tests required to obtain the mandatory Pleasure Craft Operators Card have changed.

Cameron Taylor of BoatSmart! Canada says there will be a new written exam with more questions.

"Beginning today, the exam will be 50 questions," says Taylor. "The difficulty of those questions will be enhanced to better test the boaters skill and knowledge. Those boaters that prefer to take the exam on-line will have to take a three hour study course on-line before proceeding to the final exam."

With the option of a $250 fine for not having the card, Taylor doesn't think the changes will result in people avoiding the tests.

Festival Results for Thursday April 14

Scott Walsh was the big winner in the second day of drama competitions at the Rainy River District Festival of the Performing Arts.

Walsh earned three first-place finishes and two seconds.

The drama competitions conclude today at the Townshend Theatre beginning at 9 a.m.

Here is a list of all winners from Thursday.

FESTIVAL RESULTS - DRAMA DIVISION, April 14, 2011

CLASS A1302-A
FIRST - Kristina Robertson
SECOND (TIE) - Bridget Jorgenson, Larissa Darah

CLASS A1302-B
FIRST (TIE) - Tasha Roth, Breanna Sheppard
SECOND - Scott Walsh

CLASS A110-B
FIRST - Breanna Sheppard

CLASS A110-C
FIRST - Scott Walsh

CLASS A110-E
FIRST - Tasha Roth

CLASS A110-F
FIRST - Scott Walsh

CLASS A706-A(I)
FIRST - St. Francis School, Grades 5 and 6

CLASS A706-A(II)
FIRST - St. Francis School, Grade 6

CLASS A1102
FIRST - Tasha Roth and Breanna Sheppard

CLASS A1306-A
FIRST - David Loney
SECOND - Erika Moffitt

CLASS A1306-B
FIRST (TIE) - Trelawney Erwin, Dylan Roen
SECOND - David Fyfe

CLASS A504-A
FIRST - Tasha Roth

CLASS A504-D
FIRST - Breanna Sheppard
SECOND - Scott Walsh

CLASS A1502
FIRST - Scott Walsh
SECOND (TIE) - Tasha Roth, Breanna Sheppard

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Day of Pink Hailed A Success

(Students at Robert Moore School pose for a photo as part of Day of Pink)

School participation in yesterday's national Day of Pink is being hailed a huge success.

Students, teachers, custodians and support staff across the Rainy River district donned pink as a stand against bullying.

Sonja Bodnarchuk, a grade 7 teacher at Robert Moore School in Fort Frances, believes students, especially, are getting the message.

"They for sure do," says Bodnarchuk. "They know that it's part of diversity, standing up for something they believe in and being themselves."

Many other businesses and organizations in the district participated in the event.

Male Victims Getting Support


A Fort Frances agency will be among the first in Canada that will begin offering support to male victims of sexual abuse.

Riverside Community Counselling is among 45 agencies approved by the provincial government to provide services such as peer support, counselling and residential services.

Roads Closed


Two roads in the Rainy River District are closed to traffic at this hour.

Highway 502 is closed due to a washout 11 kilometres north of Highway 11.

The Ministry of Transportation is also reporting a washout of an unnamed road about a half kilometre from Off Lake near Emo, forcing motorists to detour through Wassmith Road.

Special Council Meeting Called



Fort Frances town council has called a special meeting for today to discuss a request for assistance from the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship.

The Championship's board provided council with a list of requests that included the waiving of rental fees at the Memorial Sports Centre and a cash donation.

The meeting at the Civic Centre is at 1 p.m.

NOMA Voices Concerns with Forest Tenure Act


The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is having its say about the Forest Tenure Act.

President Ron Nelson told a legislative committee yesterday NOMA wants a minimum five year trial period for the proposed forest management corporations.

"The question that I have for you as well is have you heard us?, "said Nelson. "Have you truly heard what we've said."

NOMA wants the bill amended before it returns to the Legislature for third reading.

Minnow Case Overturned

A Baudette, Minnesota bait dealer is off the hook after the state Court of Appeals ruled that a minnow is not a fish.

The court overturned Kim Barsness' conviction of illegally selling wild animals - in this case shiny minnows.

He was charged in May 2009 after harvesting minnows from Upper Red Lake with equipment the D-N-R said wasn't supposed to be used

But the Appeals court found minnows are not treated as fish under state law.

Festival Results for Wednesday April 13

Shawn Brady and Andrew Eldridge each picked up four wins in the drama portion of the Rainy River District Festival of the Performing Arts yesterday.

Emma Kunkel, Callahan Wiedenhoeft and MacKenzie Wright, as well as Robert Moore, J.W. Walker and Sturgeon Creek Alternative Schools were multiple award winners.

The drama competitions resume this morning at the Townshend Theatre beginning at 9 a.m.

Here is a list of all winners from Wednesday

FESTIVAL RESULTS – DRAMA DIVISION, April 13, 2011

CLASS A709-A
FIRST - Adriane Gurski, Alanna Walsh, Taylor Swire, Tamika Andy, Jilayne Derkson and Jessica Caul
SECOND - Avery Adrian, Will Anderson, Joseph Ball, Brayden Botsford, Judd Gardiman, Travis Kewakundo, Ryllie Yarmovich, Fred Ottertail and Caleb McIntosh

CLASS A109-A
FIRST – Emma Kunkel
SECOND – Haley Trimble

CLASS A109-C
FIRST - Nicole Horn
SECOND - Kaayla Fox

CLASS A109-D
FIRST - Hailey Clendenning
SECOND - Carley Busch

CLASS A109-F
FIRST – Alice Johnston

CLASS A503-D
FIRST - Emma Kunkel
SECOND (TIE) - Sarah Glover, Kaitlyn Chiasson

CLASS A503-E
FIRST - John Colfer

CLASS A1301
FIRST – Emma Kunkel

CLASS A1000
FIRST - Sturgeon Creek Alternative Program, Grades 6, 7 and 8

CLASS A1200-A
FIRST - Robert Moore School, Grades 4 and 5

CLASS A703-C
FIRST - J. W. Walker School, Grades 2 and 3

CLASS A703-A
FIRST - Robert Moore School, Grades 3 and 4

CLASS A705-C
FIRST - J. W. Walker School, Grades 4 and 5

CLASS A708-A
FIRST - Sturgeon Creek Alternative Program, Grades 6, 7 and 8

CLASS A400
FIRST - Courtney Sinclair
SECOND – Mira Donaldson

CLASS A500-D
FIRST – Callahan Wiedenhoeft

CLASS A200
FIRST - Jenaya DeBenetti

CLASS A103-E
FIRST - Isaac Dykstra

CLASS A104-B
FIRST – Callahan Wiedehoeft
SECOND – Brianna Eldridge

CLASS A104-C
FIRST – Courtney Sinclair

CLASS A104-E
FIRST - Alina Eldridge
SECOND - Maddysan Redford

CLASS A104-F
FIRST – Mira Donaldson

CLASS A106-B
FIRST - Mackenzie Wright

CLASS A106-C
FIRST – Emmy Dykstra

CLASS A106-E
FIRST – Mackenzie Wright

CLASS A108-C
FIRST – Shawn Brady

CLASS A108-E
FIRST – Andrew Eldridge

CLASS A108-F
FIRST – Shawn Brady

CLASS A202
FIRST – Shawn Brady

CLASS A402
FIRST – Andrew Eldridge

CLASS A502-D
FIRST – Shawn Brady

CLASS A502-B
FIRST – Andrew Eldridge

CLASS A1300
FIRST – Andrew Eldridge

Wood Allocations Confusing to MPP


Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton is questioning how the Liberals are allocating wood supplies in northern Ontario.

Hampton says recent decisions have left him dumbstruck.

"A reasonable person looking at northern Ontario as a whole would say there is no rhyme or reason to these decisions," says Hampton. "The McGuinty government may want to keep sawmills going in some Liberal ridings, but some of the decisions don't even make sense even in Liberal ridings."

Hampton is particularly upset with a government decision that took a wood supply away from a sawmill near Sioux Lookout.

Day of Pink


Staff and students with the Rainy River District School Board will be encouraged to wear pink today (Tuesday) as a stand against bullying.

Shane Bliss, Chair of the Board's Character Education Steering Committee says the effort coincides with the national Day of Pink.

"It's a good chance for us to support this anti-bullying effort," says Bliss, "not just the students, but the staff too. We're doing this at the board office. We've got the schools involved."

Several other area organizations and businesses are also getting involved by having their employees wear pink.

Budget Gets Vote April 25


Fort Frances town council is to formally pass a budget for 2011 later this month.

A public presentation of the budget has been scheduled during the April 25 council meeting.

The public will get an opportunity to comment.

This year's budget includes a tax increase to residential ratepayers of just over 2.5 per cent.

Chamber Announces Awards


The International Chamber of Commerce has named its award winners for 2010.

Pat Bjorum is the Citizen of the Year

Gearhart's Floral & Gifts of International Falls was chosen as Small Business of the Year.

Mannco Trucking is the Large Business of the Year winner.

The winners will be honoured at a ceremony next month.

Local Man Designs Lure for Contest


A Fort Frances man is at the top of a contest that asks people to design their own fishing lure.

Mike Hanson says his design for Gambler Lures combines colours he now uses while out on the waters.

The colour I chose is a cinnamon with purple flakes on the body," says Hanson, "and brownish-green on the claws with gold flakes. I can't find the two together so I thought why not give it a shot."

To vote, first click HERE and LIKE their page.

Then click HERE and LIKE the picture and post a comment.

Festival Results for Tuesday April 12

Robert Moore School choirs received top honours in the final day of vocal performances at the Rainy River District Festival of the Performing Arts.

The School earned four first place finishes with the Senior Kindergarten classes earning two wins.

Performances in Drama begin today (Wednesday) at the Townshend Theatre with Graham Ashmore adjudicating.

Here is a list of all winners from Tuesday

FESTIVAL RESULTS – VOCAL DIVISION, Tuesday, April 12, 2011

CLASS V241E
FIRST - St. Michael’s School Choir, Grades 1-3

CLASS V223E
FIRST - Robert Moore School Senior Kindergarten Class

CLASS V259
FIRST - Robert Moore School Senior Kindergarten Classes

CLASS V233E
FIRST - Robert Moore School, Grades 3 and 4

CLASS V249E
FIRST - Robert Moore Girls’ Choir, Grades 4 to 8

CLASS V176
FIRST – Callahan Wiedenhoeft
SECOND – Mira Donaldson

CLASS V177
FIRST - Emma Dykstra
SECOND - McKenna Begin


CLASS V178
FIRST - Isaac Firth
SECOND – Taylor Shouldice

CLASS V179
FIRST - Kennedy Latimer
SECOND – Phoebe Firth

CLASS V180
FIRST - Katelyn Shortreed
SECOND – Jessica Whalen

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Council Ready to Help Club


Fort Frances councillors says they'll willing to work with the International Early Iron Car Club.

The club cancelled its annual Scott Street Show and Shine, alleging a lack of co-operation by the town.

Councillor Andrew Hallikas say no one on council was even aware there were problems.

"In all of this, I don't think one person on council is aware that (the club) had grievances with us or that (the club) was upset," says Hallikas. "To my knowledge, nobody from the club has talked to anybody on council."

In the past, the club's event was, in part, organized with the assistance of the Fort Frances Downtown Business Improvement Association.

Among the club's concerns was the process it took last year to obtain a lottery license used by the Fort Frances High School auto club.

Sewage Plant By-Passed


The town of Fort Frances was forced to by-pass its sewage treatment plant Sunday of nearly 37-hundred cubic metres of partly-treated waste water.

Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says while a rainstorm was partly to blame, the system still sees groundwater that doesn't need treatment.

"We've got to figure out how to eliminate this stuff," says Brown. "This is our biggest restriction in the town, from a growth point of view, how we're taxing the sanitary sewer system treatment process."

Brown says homeowners should not be dumping groundwater from their sump pumps into the sewer system.

Gas Prices Discussed in Ontario


Ontario's opposition parties are hoping to make rising gas prices an election issue.

Gasoline prices have shot up almost 25 per cent since late last year.

Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak says he will consider options such as removing the H-S-T from gasoline

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath wants prices regulates.

The Liberals reject both ideas.

Teacher not to 'Friend' Students


The Ontario College of Teachers is telling teachers not to "friend'' students on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.

They're also being told to avoid exchanging private texts, phone numbers, personal e?mail addresses or photos of a personal nature with students.

A spokesperson for the College says e-communication and social media can offer exciting teaching experiences but there are serious risks of misunderstandings or abuse.

College Simulator

(B-93 News Director Randy Thoms tries his hand at operating a back-hoe with Confederation College's new heavy equipment simulator)

Students enrolled in the heavy equipment operator program at Confederation College's Lake of the Woods campus have a new tool to practice their skills.

I.T. director Cathy Tysz says new computer software simulates the operation of a equipment such as a back-hoe, saving money and wear and tear on the real thing.

"According to the instructor, he spends nearly $200 a day on diesel fuel with the students in the cab moving the bucket left and right, up and down" says Tysz. "Now they can sit and can actually simulate it and the other students can learn by watch it on screen."

Instructor Brian Degagne helped build a unit incorporating the soft to provide a more real operating experience.

Ultimate Fishing Town Voting Begins


Voting begins today to help find the Ultimate Fishing Town in Canada and the United States.

Nestor Falls and Fort Frances are nominated for the World Fishing Network's contest in Canada.

International Falls is seeking the U.S. title.

The first round of voting begins at 11 a.m. CST and ends May 3.

Festival Results for Monday April 11

Taylor Shouldice was the big winner in the first day of vocal performances at the Rainy River District Festival of the Performing Arts.

Shouldice picked up four first place finishes.

Competitions continue this morning at the Townshend Theatre beginning at 9:30.

Here's a list of all winners from Monday

FESTIVAL RESULTS - VOCAL DIVISION, Monday, April 11, 2011

CLASS V101
FIRST - Naomi Carradice

CLASS V102
FIRST - Carmen Hebert
SECOND - Star Jewell Martin

CLASS V103
FIRST - Jillian Armstrong

CLASS V145
FIRST - McKenna Begin
SECOND - Faith Pollard

CLASS V146
FIRST - Alyssa VanDrunen
SECOND - Maggie Gauthier

CLASS V147
FIRST - David Loney
SECOND - Natasha Peters

CLASS V107
FIRST - Taylor Shouldice
SECOND - Kennedy Latimer

CLASS V108
FIRST - Jessica Whalen
SECOND - Phoebe Firth

CLASS V221
FIRST - Naomi Carradice, Lemuel Carradice, Moriah Carradice

CLASS V184
FIRST - Katelyn Shortreed

CLASS V115
FIRST - Jillian Armstrong

CLASS V154
FIRST - Isaac Firth

CLASS V119
FIRST - Kennedy Latimer

CLASS V157
FIRST - John Jankiewicz

CLASS V138F
FIRST - Phoebe Firth
SECOND - Jessica Whalen

CLASS V161
FIRST - Emma Dykstra
SECOND - McKenna Begin

CLASS V162
FIRST - Maggie Gauthier
SECOND - Isaac Firth

CLASS V163
FIRST - David Loney

CLASS V131
FIRST - Taylor Shouldice

CLASS V132
FIRST - Phoebe Firth
SECOND - Jessica Whalen

CLASS V207
FIRST - Taylor Shouldice
SECOND - Alyssa VanDrunen

CLASS V210
FIRST - Phoebe Firth
SECOND - Greta Fedoruk

CLASS V168
FIRST - Callahan Wiedenhoeft

CLASS V169
FIRST - Emma Dykstra
SECOND - Faith Pollard

CLASS V170
FIRST - Taylor Shouldice
SECOND - Isaac Firth

CLASS V171
FIRST - Ericka Tymkin
SECOND - David Loney

CLASS V172
FIRST - Katelyn Shortreed
SECOND - Jessica Whalen

Monday, April 11, 2011

Missing Boys Found in Fort Frances

Canadian Customs officers are being credited for helping find two missing boys from Missouri.

The boys were with their father when they attempted to cross the border at Fort Frances Saturday afternoon.

The children, aged six and three, had been subjects of an Amber Alert.

Police in Missouri says the father was arrested and the boys taken into the care of Canadian authorities after Customs officers learned they had been wanted.

Service Centre Proposed

An Alberta developer is looking at building a large vehicle service centre in the west end of Fort Frances.

Danny Lizotte is in the process of purchasing a piece of property at the corner of Pit Road 2 and Highway 11 and is looking to have a sewer line connected.

Lizotte says the centre would employ five people to start and provide services to large vehicles currently not available in the district.

Following Election Twitter


A Lakehead University professor is counting the tweets.

Livio DiMateo says he is checking out which of the local candidates in the federal election are on Twitter and seeing what kind of following they have.

"I weas very interested in knowing how the candidates were making use of some of the newer social media," says DiMateo. "What I've been doing is following the number of twitter followers on my blog called 'Northern Economists'."

DiMateo says he wants to see if the number of followers a candidate has matches the vote count at the end of the election.

Victims of Crime Awareness Week


It's National Victims of Crime Awareness Week.

Peggy Loyie of the Rainy River District Victims Services says they're using the week to promote its services.

"We are here to work with police," says Loyie. "In our area that with OPP and Treaty 3. We work with emergency medical services, fire, hospital. If there's a crisis, our volunteers are ready to go in and provide those practical supports."

Loyie says the agency has about twenty-one volunteers who make themselves available to help victims.

Province Helps Victims of Crime


The Ontario government is spending $900-thousand to help victims of crime and their families deal with the justice system.

The province is spending the money to tackle some of the challenges victims and their families face when attending trials.

Cellphone Tower Opposed


An environmental group is going to court today to try to block AT&T's plan to build a 450-foot cellphone tower near the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

The Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness says the flashing lights would be visible from several lakes and waterways within the remote area.

AT&T Mobility says the tower will extend cell service to residents and cabins east of Ely and allow paddlers in the waters to call for help in emergencies.

Festival Resumes

The Rainy River District Festival of the Performing Arts enters its second week today with vocal performances taking the stage.

They begin at Knox United Church beginning at 9 a.m.

Dean Jobin-Bevan of Thunder Bay will adjudicate.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Festival Winners from Thursday April 7


The first week of the Rainy River district Festival of the Performing Arts has wrapped up.

Piano competition concluded yesterday with Alexa Veldhuisen scoring three first place finishes.

Next week, vocal performances and drams will take centre stage.


Here is a list of all winners from yesterday

CLASS P1004

FIRST - Meagan Empey

CLASS P904

FIRST - Alexis Sharp

SECOND - Cameo Harrison

CLASS P804

FIRST - Oryn Albanese

SECOND (TIE) - Katelyn Shortreed, Audrey Chojko-Bolec

CLASS P102

FIRST - Macy Anderson

SECOND - Jacob Gustafson

CLASS P303

FIRST - Emma Dykstra

SECOND - Cara Sane-Calder

CLASS P403

FIRST - Jordan Bruyere

SECOND - Tianna Veldhuisen

CLASS P031

FIRST - Alexa Veldhuisen

SECOND - Emily Loney

CLASS P035

FIRST - Alexa Veldhuisen

SECOND (TIE) - Caitlin Rittau, Annalise Rittau

CLASS P034

FIRST - Alexa Veldhuisen

SECOND (TIE) - Gemma Friesen, Sydney Beck

NDP Release Northern Ontario Platform



The NDP is out with a platform specific for northern Ontario. It includes more funding for seniors homes and programs to eliminate senior poverty.

Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty says they're big issues in this area.

"Many seniors can't pay their electric bill, can't put food on the table," says Rafferty. "They might be in perfectly good health otherwise. They live in their own home. We proposed to Mr. Flaherty long before this election that we need to increase G.I.S. immediately to ensure that we don't have any senior living in poverty in this country."

The platform also calls for increases to FEDNOR and ensuring it's a stand alone agency.

No Campaign Offices Planned


The Liberal candidate for Thunder Bay-Rainy River has opted not to open campaign offices.

Ken Boshcoff says limitations on campaign spending played a part of his decision.

Boschoff says he'll instead focus on meeting as many people as possible face-to-face.

He's also set up social-media sites on Facebook and Twitter to help deliver his message.

Green Party candidate Ed Shields is also using social-media to reach voters.

Conservative candidate Maureen Comuzzi-Stehmann has an office in Thunder Bay, but no word yet if she has plans to set up satellite sites elsewhere.

NDP incumbent John Rafferty has campaign offices in Fort Frances and Atikokan.

Riverside Receives Grant


Riverside Health Care Facilities is receiving some funding from the Northern Cancer Fund.

The $25-thousand will be used to purchase equipment for the chemotherapy department at LaVerendrye Hospital in Fort Frances.

Pennies at Play Reaches Half Way Mark


A campaign to raise money for new playground equipment at International Falls' Kerry Park is nearing the halfway mark.

Organizer of Pennies for Play Robin Bjorkquist says the $3,000 raised at last weekend's Purple Day Carnival puts them on target to reach the 17-thousand 500-dollar goal.

"Game Time has a 100 per cent matching grant fund," says Bjorkquist. "So if we can raise at least $10-thousand or more, they will match those funds to purchase a brand new play structure for Kerry Park."

The group hopes to reach its mark by the end of May.

Customer Service Challenge

(Lillian Gerley accepting a 2010 Customer Service Award for the UPS Store from George Emes of the Rainy River Futures Development Corporation)


The Rainy River Futures Development Corporation is now seeking businesses interested in taking part in this year's Customer Service Challenge.

Office Manager Cynde Milette says this year, customers get a say on who should be recognized for good customer service.

"We're going to open it up to the public to vote for their choice," says Milette. "They can all pick their top three. From those votes we'll compile a top ten as we've done in the past."

Businesses between Mine Centre and Rainy River have until April 15 to register.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Atikokan Budget Coming



Atikokan town council is looking at bringing in a budget next Monday that could include a two per cent tax increase.

Mayor Dennis Brown says they're trying to be cognisant of the financial challenges now faced by residents.

"We're looking at it that if its 2 per cent the average taxes would go up $25.00," says Brown. "Hopefully, we can come in better than that but we have a little more work to do on it."

Brown says plans for a new arena are still on the books, but won't proceed unless it receives some government assistance.

CN Stalling Pumping Station Project


The town of Fort Frances is growing frustrated with CN Rail.

The town has been waiting for almost a year for approval to run a sewer pipe through CN property, connecting the pumping station on Portage Avenue to the storm sewer system on Third Street East.

CAO Mark McCaig says the delay in that decision is holding up the town's plans to improve the station.

Changes for BIA

The Fort Frances Downtown Business Improvement Association is hoping to entice more people to their businesses.

Chair Connie Cuthbertson says they've re-established the organization and are looking at some new events this summer they're calling "Market Thursdays."

"We're hoping to have a farmer's market in the downtown area as well as some artisans and crafters," says Cutherbertson. "Maybe even some buskers down there."

Cutherbertson says they're also exploring ways of enhancing the downtown core.

Trillium Funding Announced


Two Rainy River District communities are receiving funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

The township of Emo will use over $83-thousand to fund an addition to its library.

Big Grassy First Nation is getting $27-thousand to purchase an events tent.

O.N.A Issues Health-Care Report


The Ontario Nurses' Association is out with its list of recommendations aimed at improving the health care system in rural and northern Ontario.

Vice-President Vicki McKenna says the Government needs a stronger plan.

"The government needs to address the root causes of some of the huge challenges in the health issues that people are presenting with," says McKenna. "These areas experience lower life expectancy, higher obesity rates and higher infant mortality rates than anywhere else in the province."

Among the recommendations include more funding toward the hiring of full-time nurses.

Park Closure Possible




About 800-thousand U.S. government workers could find themselves with out paycheques in 48 hours.

A budget deadlock threatens to shut down much of the American government starting Saturday.

It would including the closing of Voyageur's National Park near International Falls.

Boshcoff Takes Leave from City


Ken Boshcoff is taking a leave from his duties as councillor for the city of Thunder Bay to focus on his election campaign in Thunder Bay-Rainy River.

The Liberal candidate says he'll officially step aside April 12.

Music Festival Results


The final day of piano competitions at the Rainy River District Festival of the Arts takes place today.

They will start at 9 a.m. at Townshend Theatre before moving to Knox United Church at 6 p.m.

Here is a complete list of all winner from the first three days of competition.

FESTIVAL RESULTS, Monday April 4

PIANO DIVISION

Class P901
FIRST – Alexis Sharp
SECOND – Caitlyn Sande

CLASS P801
FIRST – Anika Alexander

CLASS P701
FIRST – Lorianne Dueck
SECOND – Kacia Veldhuisen

CLASS P 1002
FIRST – Meagan Empey

CLASS P902
FIRST – Alexis Sharp

CLASS P1704
FIRST – Sarah Bagacki and Anika Alexander

CLASS P501
FIRST – Moriah Carradice

CLASS P502
FIRST – Taylor Shouldice
SECOND – Moriah Carradice

CLASS P207
FIRST – Lemuel Carradice
SECOND (TIE) Jessica Empey, Katelyn Bruyere

CLASS P 307
FIRST – Cara Sane-Calder

CLASS P203
FIRST – Katelyn Bruyere
SECOND – Judy Wu

CLASS P407
FIRST – Tianna Veldhuisen
SECOND – Gareth Dunn

CLASS P507
FIRST – Moriah Carradice
SECOND – Beth Layne Ward

CLASS P607
FIRST – Adam Van Ael

CLASS P506
FIRST - Jilayne Derkson

CLASS P606
FIRST – Adam Van Ael

CLASS P1703
FIRST – Katelyn Bruyere and Jordan Bruyere

CLASS P073
FIRST – Mackenzie Wright

CLASS P107
FIRST – Macy Anderson
SECOND – Callahan Wiedenhoeft

CLASS P072
FIRST – MacKenzie Wright

CLASS P103
FIRST – Macy Anderson
SECOND – Jacob Gustafson

CLASS P1301
FIRST – Ryan Bodnar

CLASS P1302
FIRST – Denae Christie
SECOND – Samantha Martin

CLASS P1303
FIRST – Taylor Shouldice
SECOND – Niko Matias

CLASS P062
FIRST – Maxwell Williams

CLASS P063
FIRST – Maxwell Williams

CLASS P052
FIRST – Emma Keeler



FESTIVAL RESULTS – Piano Division – Tuesday, April 5

CLASS P907
FIRST - Caitlin Sande
SECOND - Cameo Harrison

CLASS P807
FIRST - Anika Alexander
SECOND - Krista Emond

CLASS P707
FIRST (TIE) - Lucas Koomans, Kacia Veldhuisen
SECOND - Raymond Polz

CLASS P1003
FIRST – Meagan Empey

CLASS P903
FIRST – Alexis Sharp

CLASS P803
FIRST - Anika Alexander
SECOND – Oryn Albanese

CLASS P703
FIRST (TIE) - Kaitlyn Chiasson, Lorianne Dueck
SECOND - Kacia Veldhuisen

CLASS P802
FIRST - Anika Alexander
SECOND - Audrey Chojko-Bolec

CLASS P702
FIRST (TIE) - Kaitlyn Chiasson, Raymond Polz
SECOND - Lorianne Dueck

CLASS P001
FIRST - Maxwell VanDrunen
SECOND (TIE) - Mya Hamilton, Kaylen Cunningham

CLASS P011A
FIRST - Star Martin
SECOND (TIE) - Calin Campbell, Sophie Carpenter

CLASS P002
FIRST - Kenna Spuzak
SECOND (TIE) - Mya Hamilton, Kaylen Cunningham

CLASS P004
FIRST - Jenaya DeBenetti
SECOND - Emma Bassett

CLASS P014
FIRST - Sophie Carpenter
SECOND (TIE) - Hannah Gamache, Mackenzie Jolicouer

CLASS P011B
FIRST (TIE) - Avery Hands, Gavyn DeBenetti
SECOND - Hannah Gamache

CLASS P012
FIRST - Katrina Klug
SECOND - Avery Hands



FESTIVAL RESULTS – PIANO DIVISION – Wednesday, April 6

CLASS P1304
FIRST - Kaitlyn Chiasson
SECOND - Maureen Gustafson

CLASS P306
FIRST - Cara Sane-Calder

CLASS P406
FIRST - Arthur VanAel
SECOND - Jordan Bruyere

CLASS P706
FIRST - Sarah Bagacki
SECOND - Kaitlyn Chiasson

CLASS P806
FIRST - Anika Alexander
SECOND - Krista Emond

CLASS P503
FIRST - Taylor Shouldice
SECOND - Moriah Carradice

CLASS P1404
FIRST (TIE) - Raymond Polz, Krista Emond

CLASS P101
FIRST - Brianna Eldridge
SECOND - Mira Donaldson

CLASS P201
FIRST - Katelyn Bruyere
SECOND – Judy Wu

CLASS P301
FIRST - Emma Dykstra
SECOND - Cara Sane-Calder

CLASS P202
FIRST - Katelyn Bruyere
SECOND (TIE) - Lemuel Carradice , Alyssa Chiasson

CLASS P302
FIRST - Emma Dykstra

CLASS P402
FIRST - Tianna Veldhuisen
SECOND - Gareth Dunn

CLASS P401
FIRST - Gareth Dunn
SECOND (TIE) - Tianna Veldhuisen , Jordan Bruyere

CLASS P1521
FIRST - Jacob Gustafson

CLASS P1522
FIRST - Alexa Veldhuisen
SECOND – Katelyn Bruyere

CLASS P1523
FIRST - Emma Dykstra
SECOND (TIE) - Tianna Veldhuisen , Moriah Carradice

CLASS P021
FIRST - Mykenzie Borger
SECOND - Mika Kooistra

CLASS P022
FIRST - Mika Kooistra
SECOND - Naomi Carradice

CLASS P032
FIRST - Caitlin Rittau

CLASS P023
FIRST - Aaron Rittau

CLASS P033
FIRST - Caitlin Rittau

CLASS P024
FIRST (TIE) - Mykenzie Borger. Mika Kooistra

CLASS P044
FIRST - Nicholas Veldhuisen

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Kircher Disciplined


A Fort Frances trustee has received the lightest form of discipline possible for breaching the Rainy River District School Board's trustee code of conduct.

Chair Mike Lewis says a letter will be sent to David Kircher outlining the trustee's decision to censure him after he released confidential information about severance packages of two senior administrators from a previous in-camera meeting.

"The most significant consequences would have been to remove him from a committee," says Lewis, "or ban him from certain committees. That wouldn't serve anybody's purpose. We'll move on from here."

Kircher feels the decision was fair.