Question Of The Week

Should Fort France town council abandon plans its plans for a housing subdivision in favour of other uses for the former Huffman School property?

That's our question on our website 93.1 The Border.ca

In response to last week's question, 69 per cent don't think the province's review of how paper mills in northern Ontario were assessed will lead to any help for the communities affected.

Alternative Use For Huffman Presented

An alternative use the former Huffman School is being offered up.

The Fort Frances seniors advisory committee would like the building used as a temporary second location to the Sister Kennedy Centre.

Al Bedard says it would enhance programs and services for seniors until an expansion of the currently facility can be done.

Town council is reviewing the proposal with the group to make a formal presentation at the next council meeting.

Candidates Named

We now know the names of the four candidates seeking the open seat on Fort Frances Council.

Arlene Georgeson, Doug Kitowski, Ed Haglund and Joe Galbraith will be interviewed by the remaining members of council in the coming days.

The selection of a preferred candidate will be made by the end of this month.

The vacancy was created by the sudden death of Sharon Tibbs in January.

No Smoking Ban Expanded

A ban on smoking in front of the doors at the Memorial Sports Centre is being extended to other locations.

Fort Frances council has approved a by-law amendment that prohibits smoking within 9 metres of any entrance or exit of a town-owned building.

There had been some consideration for a complete ban of smoking on town-property but that provision would have also applied to parks, playgrounds and outdoor recreational fatalities.

Complaints About Dog Droppings Increasing

The on-set of spring is generating complaints about dogs and their owners who don't pick up after them.

Fort Frances Councillor Rick Wiedenhoeft says the waterfront continue to be one the problem areas.







Wiedenhoeft says it's just common courtesy for owners to pick up after their dogs.

Complaints have also been received about dog droppings left along the ski trails in the town's north end.

Tories Wants Plans For More Casinos Stopped

The Tories want to cancel the province's plans for more casinos and online gambling.

Conservative Leader Tim Hudak says thousands of jobs will be lost in the government goes ahead with casinos.

Hudak, instead, favours horse racetrack operators being allowed to take over existing slot operations.

New Bobcat Sighting

File photo

A bobcat wandering around parts of Fort Frances continues to elusive.

The town's by-law enforcement office began setting up traps last week after reports of domestic cats being killed by the wild animal.

The most recent sighting was this past week in the 600 block of Scott Street

County To Talk With CN About Trains

Koochiching County will try to seek a meeting with CN Rail officials to talk about the length of time it's taking its trains to pass by rail crossings.

The County would also like to hear from the public.

Commissioner Brian McBride says it can aid in their efforts to find a resolve.

Chair Kevin Adee says the biggest concern is trains that stop at a crossing for longer than 10 minutes.

Town Looks At Staff Changes

The town of Fort Frances may soon look at little leaner.

Some staff changes are being considered in the effort to help keep costs down.

CAO Mark McCaig says a restructuring will include early retirements.

McCaig says full details of the changes will be announced in the near future.

Town Review Staffing Requirements

The town of Fort Frances may soon look at little leaner.

Some staff changes are being considered in the effort to help keep costs down.

CAO Mark McCaig says a restructuring will include early retirements.

McCaig says full details of the changes will be announced in the near future.

Mayor Calls For More Cuts From Departments

A call for more cuts within the town of Fort Frances.

Mayor Roy Avis feels some areas may not have reduced their budgets as best they can and would like them to go back to find further savings.


The operating deficit remains at just over $728-thousand.

Councillor Andrew Hallikas feels council should hold off asking for cuts until they see how other cost-saving measures will impact the numbers.

Pope Selection Surprising

Bishop Fred Colli of the Thunder Bay Catholic Diocese says he was surprised by the selection of former Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina as the new Pope.

Colli believes the Cardinals of the Church surprised Catholics around the world in their vote.

Colli says he will probably meet the new Pope Francis when he travels to Rome next year.

Water Quality Forum

Researchers from across Ontario, Manitoba and Minnesota are gathering in International Falls.

They're attending the 10th annual International Lake of the Woods Water Quality Forum.

Todd Sellars of the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation says the future of the forum is being looked this year.

The nearly one hundred delegates will also hear the latest in research being conducted in the Lake of the Woods and Rainy Lake watersheds.

Farmer's Market To Open This Month

Clover Valley Farmers' Market photo

Another sign spring is just around the corner.

The Clover Valley Farmers Market is preparing to open with an Easter market at the end of this month.

Manager Deb Cornell says they saw an increase in sales and customers last year.

Cornell says the regular season begins in May and vendors can now call to book space.

Rae Supports New Relationship With First Nations

The Federal Interim Liberal Leader says its time for the government to work more closely with the province and First Nations to address aboriginal rights and issues.

Bob Rae says forming strong partnerships will help First Nations move forward.

Rae made his comments during a stop in Dryden yesterday.

Health Integration Discussions

Health Care officials say they're working to rebuild the trust and communication that impacted their ability to address issues impacting care in International Falls.

Duluth-based Essentia Heath wants to full control of Rainy Lake Medical Centre, a plan that has been met with some resistance because of outstanding issues stemming from a 2007 partnership.

Bob Haley of Rainy Lake Medical Centre says with new people leading the discussions, they're leaving what happened in the past behind them.

Haley says they hope to have a report on the next steps by June.

New MRI In Region

A new MRI machine for northwestern Ontario.

Thunder Bay's Regional Research Institute is getting a million dollars for a new state of the art unit.

CEO Dr. Michael Wood says it will allow them to research brain diseases.

The MRI replaces an older model and will cost $5 million in total.

Gasification Project Still On Table

Work continues on a plasma gasification project in Koochiching County.

The project to generate energy by burning waste was first proposed several years.

John Howard of Coronal says the delays are actually benefiting the project.

Howard say they are also working toward getting permitting by the end of the year.

Wheelchair Curling Promoted In Fort Frances

There's an effort to establish wheelchair curling in Fort Frances.

Wayne Ficek brought his Kenora team to play teams in the local senior league yesterday.

The four time provincial champion says he'd like to help build the sport here.

Ficek says the sport is seeing growth elsewhere with a strong league in Thunder Bay and about five taking up the sport in Kenora.

Falls City Administrator Offered Job In Washington State

It appears the city of International Falls will be looking for a new city administrators.

Rod Otterness has been hired on to serve as city manager of Union Gap, Washington, a community of about 63-hundred people 140 miles southeast of Seattle.

Union Gap City Council offered the job to Otterness last week.

Otterness has been Falls city administrator since 2004.

Dog Park On Hold

Plans for a dog park in Fort Frances are on hold.

A town advisory committee working on the project has decided to stop any further planning.

Chair Duane Hicks says financial pressures facing the town played into their decision.



Hicks says they're look at revisiting the project in the fall to determine if they'll proceed with public meetings.

The committee narrowed its search to four potential sites, pegging costs in the area of $30-thousand.

Wellness Conference Next Week

A focus on holistic health later this month.

Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre and Fort Frances Area Tribal Health Services are hosting a Wellness Conference next week.

The Centre's Program Manager Beverley Cochrane says several presenters are coming who will offer tools and demonstrate ways to achieve physical, spiritual, mental and emotional health.

Cochrane says the conference will also promote programs available in the Fort Frances area.

New Blood Plasma Clinics Concerns

The province is asking the federal government to hold off on approving new clinics that would pay people to give blood plasma.

Three clinics are proposed for Ontario.

Health Minister Deb Matthews says it would be irresponsible to allow a paid-donor system without first determining how it could impact the supply of blood and blood products.

Rae Tours Northwestern Ontario

Federal interim Liberal leader Bob Rae is in Dryden and Kenora today.

Yesterday, he was in Thunder Bay where he spoke about the Ring of Fire and First Nation involvement.

Rae says he's looking at how he can legally represent Matawa Chiefs with their dealings in the chromite mining development.

The one-time Ontario Premier is in the region for party faithful fundraisers billed as "Thanks A Million, Bob."

Expanded Sale Tax Still Possible

Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk says there's still room to discuss an expanded sales tax even though Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton intends to abandon that budget approach.

Bakk, who represents Koochiching County, says the Senate Tax Committee plans to consider whether some services should be part of the sales tax mix.

Dayton is releasing a revised budget proposal later this week which still includes a higher tax income rate on the state top wage earners.

Snoasis Winners

The winners have been announced in this past weekend's Snoasis at the former Huffman School property.

Lindsay Hamilton and Joe Galbraith's creation "Building Bridges" earned the judges pick.

"Fishing Fantasy," a snow sculpture created by the staff at the Fort Frances Times was voted fan favourite.

Organizers says they were happy with the turned to the event they hope to continue.

Fort Teacher New OSSTF President

A teacher at Fort Frances High School is the new president of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation.

Paul Elliot was voted in as head of the 60-thousand member union at a conference in Toronto yesterday.

He's previously served as vice-president since 2007.

Thunder Bay's Sue Doughty-Smith joins him on the OSSTF executive as Executive Officer.

Expansion Planned For J.W. Walker

Google Earth

J.W. Walker School in Fort Frances will be getting larger.

Education Director with the Rainy River District School Board Heather Campbell says it's to accommodate the early learning program to be offered at the school this fall.

The work includes expanding two classrooms and relocating the entrance to the playground.

Campbell says tenders came in over budget, so the board is hoping for additional dollars from the province or approval to use reserves before starting work.

Hot Stove Murder Recreated

A high profile murder case in the Rainy River district from the 1940's is being recreated.

Tom Foley and Tracey Gibson will begin production today on a documentary on the so-called Hot Stove Murder.


Three men were hanged outside the Fort Frances Courthouse in the torture of Viola Jamieson who at one point was sat naked on a hot stove.

Foley says it's a case that he's long been fascinated with.



Gibson says the availability of documents from the case is helping in the scripting.


The pair hope to enter the completed work in film festival and plan a public showing.

Council Meeting Moved

A regular meeting of Fort Frances Council, scheduled for tonight, has been moved.

It will now be held Thursday with the public session starting at 6:35 p.m.

Natural Resources Minister Ponders Cuts

The new Minister of Natural Resources is weighing in on any possible cuts to the Ministry.

David Orazietti says the MNR like all Ministries is facing financial pressure.

Orazietti says he'll try to balance offering front line support with modern service features.

Pay Hike For Minnesota Politicians Proposed

Minnesota's governor and legislators could be in line for their first pay hikes since the late 1990s.

The Compensation Council is recommending the governor's $120-thousand a-year base pay be upped 3 percent in 2015 and again in 2016.

Legislator pay would be set at one-third of what the governor makes.

February Was Indeed Cold

If you think it felt colder than usual in February in the Borderland, your right.

Environment Canada's Peter Kimball says their look back at the weather for the month seemed to show a reverse in a warming trend experienced at the start of the winter season.


Kimball says February came in 2.5 C colder than normal after temperatures in December and January were a tick warmer than usual.

Kimball long-range forecasts point to above average temperatures in April before settling to more normal levels in May and June.

Question of the Week

An efforts by representatives on both side of the border to start working together on marketing the Borderland is being met with some positive reaction.

Our website poll shows 52 per of respondents seeing recent talks as very positive.

14 per cent see them as a good start.

This week we ask if you think the province's review of how northern Ontario mill properties were assessed will lead to any help to communities affected.

CEP Unionizes Home Health Care Group

The Communication Energy and Paperworkers union is expanding its representation in the home health care sector.

Twenty-five Revera office and client services staff across northwestern Ontario have voted 60 per cent in favour of joining CEP.

Revera provides home health care services to residents across the region including here in Fort Frances.

Town Efforts To Trap Bobcat

File photo

The town of Fort Frances is involved in the search for a wild cat.

What's believed to be a bobcat has been spotted in the area of Church Street and Nelson Avenue for the past few weeks.

Rick Hallam, who oversees the town's by-law department, says the Ministry of Natural Resources has given it approval to set traps.

Hallam says there are reports the cat may have killed at least three domestic cats.

Northwestern Health Unit Study Released

Some concerning results in a survey from the Northwestern Health Unit.

Over 2000 students from the Kenora-Rainy River districts were asked in the Youth Action on Drugs Study on their thoughts on alcohol and drug use.

Health Promoter Saralyn Seminiuk says it also found that half didn't believe there was enough for young people to do in their hometowns.

Seminiuk says the survey also found that young people over estimate drug and alcohol use among their peers.

Campbell Supports Changes To Gas Tax

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell is supporting a bill that recommends changes to the provincial gas tax.

Campbell says while everyone pays the tax not all municipalities get their fair share or even qualify for the funding.

Campbell sees the changes a first step to creating a dedicated program for infrastructure needs in rural and northern Ontario.

Body Found In Kenora

A post mortem exam is being conducted today on a body found floating in the Winnipeg River in Kenora.

The body was found by workers yesterday morning in the area of the Norman dam.

The identify is still being determine.

New Music From Maverick Judson

Some new music from area performer Maverick Judson.

He's released a five-song disk, entitled FYI.

Judson says the music captures styles of performers who've influenced him the most.


Many of the songs were recorded while he attended school in London, Ontario, working with other musicians and producers he'd met.

He's making the disk and songs free to listeners to download through a new website maverickjudson.com.

School To Wait On Final Decision For Sturgeon Creek

The Rainy River District School Board is holding back on an immediate decision on the future of Sturgeon Creek School.

A committee, tasked with studying the Barwick-area school, presented its report to the board this week, recommending it remain open.

Committee chair Jackie McCormick says during their public meetings, no one called for closure in the several presentations and submissions received.

Education Director Heather Campbell says a board decision on the school will likely come in the fall when its receives a recommendation about Crossroads School.

A review of that Devlin-area school is currently underway

Bus Loop Questioned

Google Earth

Concern is being expressed over a plan to construct a loop for buses to drop off and pick up students attending J.W. Walker School in Fort Frances.

The Rainy River District School Board says the loop off Flinders Avenue it will alleviate traffic congestion now experienced in front of the school on Keating Avenue.

Resident Bob Daiken would rather the loop be used by parents who drop off and pick up their children than buses.

Under the board's proposal, parents will be required to use a loop in front of the school and the school's parking lot beginning this fall.

Homelessness Tackled In Fort Frances

File photo

It may not be visible seen, but homelessness exists in Fort Frances.

Agencies, who help people without a home or struggle to stay in one, outlined their work to members of the Celebrating Diversity Committee yesterday.

Danielle Spuzak of the United Native Friendship Centre says many of the area's homeless are people who couch surf, staying at friends and families for a day or two, before moving on to another place.

Official says some people go to Thunder Bay to use the shelter in winter, but return to the area in the warmer months.

Junior Career Fair Planned

It's never too young to consider your future.

Fort Frances Public Library will be hosting a junior career fair next Wednesday.

Program director Andrea Avis says the "I Wanna Be"  fair will highlight some career ideas to young people.

Avis says a wide spectrum of local professionals will be on hand to speak with the youngsters who attended the free event.

Pre-Budget Hearing In Thunder Bay

Northwestern Ontario residents get to add their ideas to a province-wide consultation on the Ontario budget tonight.

The Ontario Federation of Labour is holding a series of "People's Budget" consultations across the province with a stop in Thunder Bay.

Vice-president Irwin Nanda says they've heard some common themes.

Input collected will sent to government.

Train Crossing Waits Drawing Criticism

Koochiching County is raising concerns about C.N. Rail trains blocking at area crossings.

Board Chair Kevin Adee says discussions with rail officials in the past led to some improvements, but he says the frequency and length of time the road is blocked is reoccurring.

In one situation, he says he sat at a crossing on Van Lynn Road for a train that was 10 cars shy of clearing.

The County plans to discuss action it may take at its meeting next week.

Mining Needs Identified

The Northwest Training and Adjustment Board says there's going to be a huge need for workers in northwestern Ontario's ever expanding mining industry.

Labour Market Economist Jamie Wolcott says their release of a 10-year hiring forecast will help those in education, industry and government prepare.

The Board's report says the Rainy River district's mining sector will need 640 workers by 2022.

Changes To Home And Leisure Show

FFCC photo

The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce is re-tooling its annual home and leisure.

It includes renaming the event the Business and Community Expo.

Manager Annely Armstrong says its puts the focus back on what the event should be.

Armstrong says it means Strongman competition will be dropped, but comedian Don Kelly, originally from Onegaming First Nations, will be coming to put on a show at the conclusion of the event.

Show participants will also get a break on the costs of their booths if they register early.

Area Liberal Supporting Trudeau

There's still another debate to come, but the president of the Kenora-Rainy River provincial Liberal Riding Association know who he wants heading the federal party.

Anthony Leek sees Justin Trudeau the best candidate.

Leek will among Liberals to participate in the April 14 vote.

MPP Supports Calls To Ban Declawing Of Cats

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell is supporting a petition to ban the declawing of cats.

The petition has been spearheaded by a Dryden-based animal protection group.

Campbell says declawing a cat takes away their natural defense and leaves them helpless.

Gas Tax Increase Suggested In Minnesota

A five-cent increase in the state gas tax is among proposals to raise more money for transportation needs in Minnesota.

Democrats say it will help raise $3.8 billion for roads, bridges and transit projects.

Governor Mark Dayton, though, is expressing doubts about a gas tax hike getting final approval.