Breast Screening Challenge

The Ontario Breast Screening Program is back with its Breast Screening Challenge this Friday.

Spokesperson Lori Della-Vedova says their goal is to get 150 new clients in one day.

 Women in the Rainy River district can call LaVerendrye Hospital in Fort Frances to make an appointment.

Outdoor Activities Course at Rainy River High

Dog Sledding part of Outdoor Activities Course

Rainy River High School is using the area's natural resources to educate students about leadership, teamwork and outdoor survival.

The outdoors activities course, now in its fourth year, includes canoeing, dog sledding and trapping.

Teacher Guy Arpin says its become highly popular.

Arpin says they're now working towards having students also being able to earn a credit towards Confederation College's Recreation and Leisure Services program.

Park Canada Seeks Agreement

Fort St. Pierre 1958 photo

Parks Canada is looking for a formal agreement with the town of Fort Frances for a historic plaque that has been at Pither's Point Park for 40 years.

The plaque was installed in 1971 to commerate the former location of Fort St. Pierre as national historic site.

The matter comes before Fort Frances town council tonight.

New COO

Rainy River Resources has added to its management team.

Michael Mutchler has been appointed its Chief Operating Officer.

Mutchler comes to Rainy River Resources from Kinross Gold Corporation.

Kiwanis Needs New Members

The Kiwanis Club of Fort Frances is fighting for survival.

The local service organization is down to just 18 members.

Treasurer Robin Wright says they're making a push to attract new people by sending out letter to prospective members and holding a wine and cheese event later this month.

Wright says there are many programs in the area, especially for the youth, that rely on the group assistance.

Board Happy with Cafeteria Operations

The Rainy River District School Board is happy with how students are running the cafeteria at Fort Frances High School

Students enrolled in a hospitality program took over operations in mid-September.

Superintendent of Education Casey Slack says they're using a pre-pay system of four dollars per day.

Slack says he's heard no complaints from students or parents about how things are being handled.

OPP Keep Highway Safe

Ontario Provincial Police RIDE programs in the Fort Frances area took a few impaired drivers off the road during the Thanksgiving weekend.

A 47-year-old Fort Frances man was charged Saturday morning.

A woman in the same vehicle was charged with failing to wear her seatbelt.

That night, a 22-year-old Fort Frances man was charged with both impaired and possession of a controlled substance.

His male passenger was caught with having open liquor.

And a 20-year-old Fort Frances driver was stopped early Sunday morning and charged with impaired.

Police also charged more than a dozen motorists for speeding during the weekend and three for driving while under suspension.

Flu Shot Clinics Upcoming

The Northwestern Health Unit is getting ready to roll out its annual flu shot clinics.

Manager of infectious diseases Donna Stanley says clinics will be start at the end of the month.

Stanley says initially they will be targeting the elderly and people who are the most at risk of getting the flu.

Question of the Day - October 11

Do you plan to get your flu shot this year?

That's today's Poll Question on www.b93.ca.

Friday we asked if you think Ontario will be better served by the Liberal minority government elected last Thursday.

71 per cent of respondents said no.

Smoke in Sewer System This Week

Some residents in Fort Frances may see smoke coming out of the sewer system this week.

But don't panic.

Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says a company is pumping fake smoke as part of an ongoing study of the sewer system.

Wilde Music In Niagara

The music of an Atikokan blues artist will be showcased this week's in Niagara Falls.

Sunday Wilde will be among several northern Ontario artists performing at the annual meeting of the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals.

Wilde won an Independent Music Award earlier this year as a fan favourite.

BWCA Fire Nearly Out

Firefighters in northern Minnesota are making progress on a wildfire that started in August in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

The fire continues to burn over about 145 square miles, but is over 80 per cent contained.

Campbell Wins Kenora-Rainy River

(Sarah Campbell photo)

It was a big night for the NDP in northern Ontario, doubling the number of seats it held at Queen's Park.

Sarah Campbell held onto Kenora-Rainy River for the New Democrats and promises to be there for her constituents.

Campbell captured 49 per cent of votes cast.


Progressive Conservative Candidate Rod McKay finished in second place with 38 per cent of the vote, but says he's not too disappointed.


Liberal candidate Anthony Leek finished a distant third in voting.

Leek says a lack of adequate resources and organizational support hurt his campaign.

Leek is planning to run again in the next provincial election.

Other Election Results

In Thunder Bay-Atikokan, MPP Bill Mauro was returned for this third consecutive term, beating out NDP candidate Mary Kozorys in a close race.

Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle easily retained his seat in Thunder Bay-Superior North.

Former Fort Frances resident Donna Cridland was fourth for the Green Party in the riding of Welland.

Voter Turnout Dismal

Just short of 22-thousand people cast ballots in the Kenora-Rainy River riding, the fewest since the riding was formed in 1999.

There were over 45-thousand eligible voters.

Election Results Delayed

Elections Ontario delayed the release of the results from Kenora-Rainy River by about half-hour last night.

It was because of a delay in setting up a polling station at Lac La Croix First Nation that prompted an extension of the vote there until 8:30 p.m..

Question of the Day - October 7

Just over 40 per cent of respondents to a B93.ca question on Wednesday felt there would be a minority government coming out of yesterday's election.

Today, we ask if you think Ontario will be well served by a Liberal minority.

Vote at B-93.ca

And in a question asked yesterday, 74 per cent didn't think a declining Canadian dollar was impacting on their decision to shop State side.

Vendor Blender

A chance to learn more about some of the so-called home-party consultants in the Rainy River district.

Organizer Jody MacGuire says fifteen different products will on display at the Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau as part of a Vendor Blender.

It goes from 3 p.m.to 8 p.m. tonight and again from 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. tomorrow.

New Councillor Selected

Alberton's township council has filled a vacancy at its council table.

Elizabeth Logue-Baxter will replace Barb Cournoyer who stepped down in September due to medical reasons.

Logue-Baxter is current a member of the township's Emergency Management Program Committee and has been involved in organizing recreational events in the past.

She'll be officially sworn into office Wednesday.

Bear Maulings

Two maulings by black bears in just over a week is a grim reminder of the dangers of Northwestern Ontario's back country.

The latest happened Tuesday involved a 24-year-old woman with the Ministry of Natural Resources working near Armstrong.

A co-worker helped to fight off the 250-pound bear.

The woman had to be airlifted to hospital in Thunder Bay for treatment of unknown injuries.

Last week, a hunter was able to kill a bear that attacked him north of Kenora.

Polls Now Open

Polls across the Kenora-Rainy River riding for the Ontario election are now open.

Voting can be done until 8 p.m.

Returning officer Ian Simpson says voters should bring ID and the voter registration card to the polling station identified on the card.

Elections Ontario will have between five and six hundred people working on the election in this riding.

Election Day in Ontario

Ontario voters head to the polling booths today amid uncertainty over the province's economic future.

Liberal Premier Dalton McGuinty, in seeking a third straight majority, has stressed his experience and competence.

And analysts suggest his ``steady-as-she-goes'' message has resonated with voters worried about another possible recession.

At the start of the campaign, polls indicated anger at McGuinty over several broken promises would sweep him from office.

However, analysts say neither the Tories nor New Democrats have offered voters a clear reason to vote for them instead.

Candidates To Watch Results

Candidates in Kenora-Rainy River will be in their respective home towns tonight to watch the results come in.

Liberal Candidate Anthony Leek will be at the Emo Inn.

Progressive Conservative Rod McKay will hold a gather in Kenora.

The NDP's Sarah Campbell will be in Dryden where she will provide a live webcast from her campaign headquarters to sites in Fort Frances and Kenora.

Viewing in Fort Frances takes place at the La Place Rendez Vous.

B93 Election Coverage

Be sure to listen to B93 for results in the election in both the Kenora-Rainy River and Thunder Bay-Atikokan ridings as well as the provincial scene.

Our coverage begins shortly after polls close at 8 p.m.

Native Leader Seeks Respect from New Ontario Government

The province's top aborginal leader says he's not willing to endorse any political party in today's provincial election.

Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse says the best he can ask any government is to respect the rights of First Nation communities.

Question of the Day - October 6

Yesterday B93.ca's Poll Question asked you about the election.

Due to Elections Ontario guidelines, we can not release the results of that poll until tomorrow.

Today we ask if the sinking Canadian dollar is keeping you from shopping in the United States?

Vote at www.b93.ca.

Missing Hunter Found Safe

A happy ending to a search yesterday for a missing hunter east of Fort Frances.

53 year old Patrick O'Connell was found safe and sound on Turtle River Road by the OPP's Emergency Response Team.

He had been reported missing Tuesday night after failing to return home from hunting.

Police says the man became lost, but managed to find his way out of the bush to a nearby road, where he was picked up by another hunter.

More Weather Records

More weather records in Fort Frances.

Tuesday's high of 25 C broke the old record of 24 C set back in 1987

There was also a new high set yesterday with the thermometer reaching 26.6 C, passing the old mark of 25 C set back on October 5 of last year.

AbitibiBowater Reduced Debt

AbitibiBowater says it will redeem $85-million in senior secured notes due in 2018 as part of a strategy to decrease fixed costs and improve the paper maker's financial position.

The move reduces the face value of the company's total debt to about $586-million.

Deer Pose Problems for Drivers

Be careful driving in the Kenora area.

There have been 53 accidents involving deer on highways in the area so far this year.

That's still down from the 83 collisions reported last year.

Final Day to Solicit Votes

It's Day 29 of the Ontario election campaign, the last day for the politicians to make their promises before the people have their say at the ballot box.

New poll results indicate the governning Liberals are leading the Tories by 10 points among decided voters.

In Kenora-Rainy River, Progressive Conservative candidate Rod McKay, the Liberal's Anthony Leek, Sarah Campbell of the NDP, Northern Ontario Heritage Party hopeful Charmaine Romaniuk and Jo Jo Holiday of the Green Party are making one final push to get voters to support their campaigns at tomorrow's ballot box.

Thunder Bay-Atikokan Riding Prediction

It's a horse race in Thunder Bay Atikokan.

Lakehead University Political Science Professor Laure Paquette says despite relative inexperience NDP Candidate Mary Kozorys is in a strong position.

Paquette says Liberal Bill Mauro has the advantage of being the incumbent while PC Candidate Fred Gilbert has name recognition from being a one-time president of LU.  

Rafferty Supports National Suicide Prevention Strategy

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty is calling suicide among First Nation youth a national crisis.

He says its a reason he'll support a Liberal proposal for a national suicide prevention strategy.

Debate on the proposal took place in the House of Commons yesterday.

Question of the Day - October 5

There's some support to Fort Frances town council spending money to develop new bicycle trails in town.

61 per cent of respondents to Tuesday's Poll Question at B93.ca support the town making trail development a priority in the upcoming budget.

Today's question, do think tomorrow's election in Ontario will result in a majority or minority government.

Vote at b93.ca

Water Rate Increase in I. Falls Expected

There could be a huge jump coming to water rates in International Falls.

Chair of the city's finance committee Cynthia Jacksa says the water department is currently running a deficit and an increase as high as 12 per cent in rates might be needed to offset the shortfall.

Jacksa says a study of the water system, due at the end of this month, will help determine the size of the increase.

Forest Fire Hazard to Increase

The Ministry of Natural Resources is concerned with the number of human caused fires that have sparked in recent days.

One near Little Sawbill Lake northeast of Fort Frances occured on the weekend.

Information Officer Debbie MacLean says the forest fire hazard could reach extreme levels by the end of the week.

There are 34 fires still burning, most being monitored by the MNR.

Six of those fires are burning in Quetico Provincial Park.

Advance Polls Busy

About 8 per cent of eligible voters in the Kenora-Rainy River riding have cast their ballots in the provincial election.

Elections Ontario says 3611 people took advantage of ten days of advance polls that ended last Friday.

There are just over 45-thousand eligible voters in the riding.

Meantime, about 43-hundred of the 56-thousand plus voters took part in advance polls in Thunder Bay-Atikokan cast their ballots.

Conventry Acquires Mineral Rights

Coventry Resources at Cameron Lake Project - Conventry Resources photo

Coventry Resources has secured mineral rights to property adjacent to the Rainy River Resources gold project.

The Australian-based company says it intends to conduct an aggressive exploration program on the 96 square kilometres which has seen limited exploration in the past.

The company is already exploring for gold in the Cameron Lake area near Nestor Falls.

Fishing Pier Open

A new fishing pier is in place on the U.S. side of Rainy Lake.

The 84-foot pier at Tilson Bay was installed by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources staff to replace an aging structure.

Tilson Bay is located approximately six miles east of International Falls.

Weather Record

A weather record for Fort Frances Monday.

The high of 27.8 degrees Celsius surpassed the old mark of 25.5 C set back in 1997.

The warm weather is expected to continue until Saturday.

New Border Crossing Site Selected

A preferred location has been chosen for a new border crossing in International Falls.

The waterfront location, east of the existing U.S. port of entry, will route traffic back through the downtown core.

Falls Mayor Shawn Mason says it's what the city wanted.

No word on when construction would start.

Falls Seeks Trail Dollars

The city of International Falls is seeking State funds to aid in the construction of new hiking and bicycle trails along its waterfront.

It's hoping to tap into a Department of Natural Resources program for trail development.

If successful, the grant would cover 90 per cent of the 259-thousand dollar project.

Question of the Day

A proposed move of the Fort Frances Parade of Lights to the waterfront isn't sitting well with some residents.

61 per cent of respondents to B93.ca's poll question Monday don't want to see the parade move from its traditional route on Scott Street.

Today's question, with Fort Frances council being asked to help develop a network of bicycle trails in town, should it be a priority in next year's budget?

Vote at www.b93.ca.

Contest Draws More Entries

A dozen submissions have been received in a contest aimed at promoting Atikokan's proclamation as the Canoeing Capital of Canada.

An extension to the contests deadline brought in 9 submissions last month to the 3 received in August.

Paula Sanders of the Atikokan Economic Development Corporation says a committee review them starting Friday.

The best three will be eligible for funding to help develop and market their products.

Community Living Seeks Support

Community Living Fort Frances and District is looking for the public's support as it vies for a share of money being offered up by Aviva Insurance.

Spokesperson Amy Saunders says their project seeks funds to cover expenses of a camp offered each summer at Sunny Cove Camp to people with physical or mental disabilities.

First round voting can be done by clicking the link before Sunday.

http://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf10980

Principal Charged

A Thunder Bay high school principal has been charged with offences at the Canada-U-S border.

The principal at Sir Winston Churchill high school was charged with attempting to bring American purchased airsoft replica firearms and magazines into Canada on June 16th.

The Lakehead board says he is no longer in his working position.

Ontario Election Day 28

Day 28 of the election campaign has the three major party leaders out making their final appeals for votes.

Premier Dalton McGuinty and Progressive Conservative Tim Hudak is focusing attention on votes in southern Ontario ridings.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath will make an announcement at Queen's Park before heading to Sudbury and Thunder Bay.

Former Emo Man Honoured

A man from Emo has a bridge in Ear Falls named in his honour.

OPP officer Calvin Fulford was killed in a 1958 Christmas Day shooting incident.

OPP Commissioner Chris Lewis says renaming the bridge on Highway 105 is a fitting tribute.

The 29-year-old was the father to former Fort Frances Fire Chief, the late Ralph Fulford,  and had been with the OPP for less than 4 years.

Man Arrested in Bar Fight

One person faces charges following a fight inside a Fort Frances drinking establishment early Saturday morning.

Provincial police were called by staff to help disperse a crowd of people involved before determining who was had been chiefly responsible.

Doh! Wrong House

A rude awaking for a Fort Frances woman yesterday morning.

OPP say the woman was awaken to someone ringing her doorbell and found a man trying to get in.

The intoxicated man told police he thought he was at a friend's house.

Emergency Landing

A scare for a young pilot near Vermilion Bay Sunday.

The pilot was forced to land on a road when his small plane developed engine problems.

The 22-year-old was in the midst of a flight from Montreal to Yellowknife.

Minority Government Possible

There's plenty of talk of a minority government being elected in Ontario Thursday.

The Liberals and Progressive Conservatives are running neck and neck in the polls with the NDP likely to hold the balance of power.

Premier Dalton McGuinty is making it clear he isn't interested in any form of partnership with the other parties if there is a minority government.

The NDP is side-stepping speculation about a minority at the legislature and plugging what it would do during its first 100 days in office instead.


Leader Andrea Horwath says she's focused on running for premier and connecting with voters before Thursday's vote.

Tory leader Tim Hudak warns the Liberals and NDP will team up to raise taxes if a minority government.


Hudak won't say what he might offer Horwath to get her support, saying he doesn't want to play ``Let's Make a Deal.''

Aviator Recognized

A new name for the airport in International Falls.

The Falls International Airport, Francis Einarason terminal and Einarson field recognizes the many contributions the well-known aviator and his family have brought to the airport.

Hundreds of people packed a hanger Saturday for the dedication.

Parade Route Change Proposed

Organizers of the Fort Frances Parade of Lights are considering a route change.

Brenda Kellar says they feel the waterfront might make a great area for the November 26  parade.

The parade has traditionally gone down Scott Street.

Kellar says they're now soliciting input before making a final decision.