College Graduation Held In Fort Frances

A day of celebration for Confederation College and students at its Rainy River district campus in Fort Frances.

Two separate ceremonies were held Monday for graduating students, including one for 16 who earned high school diplomas through the School within a college program

President Jim Madder says the dual credit program proved very successful.

Another 51 students enrolled in college programs received diplomas or certificates during a second ceremony at the Townshend Theatre.

International Falls Bicycles

International Falls is being viewed as a bike-able.

City officials participated last week in a workshop and a bike ride aimed at improving the ability to bicycle around the city.

Event organizer Nancy Lee says the group identified the community does well in promoting cycling and police do a good job enforcing the rules.
community.

Lee says the group did identify a need for some improvements along designated routes.

Garden Could Become Permanent

The community garden in Fort Frances could become a permanent fixture.

Organizers are asking the town to rezone the property off Lillie Avenue that would make the garden  permanent.

The group had been given temporary approval to use the area for the past three years.

A public meeting on the rezoning will take place July 8th.

Docs Want Liquor Sales Profits Directed To Helping Those With Alcoholism

The province's doctors wants liquor sale profits pumped back into alcohol harm reduction programs.

The Liquor Control Board of Ontario announced record sales yesterday, with $1.7 billion dollars going into the province's coffers before taxes.

Ontario Medical Association president Doctor Scott Wooder says there should be programs targeted to both adults and youth.

Tories Launch TV Ads

The Progressive Conservatives have launched T-V ads linking Premier Kathleen Wynne with the costly cancellation of gas plants and equating her to Dalton McGuinty.

With three provincial byelections to be called this summer, the Tories say voters need to know Wynne is directly tied to the $585-million decisions.

BizKids Returns

Bizkids is coming back to Fort Frances this summer.

It's promoted by the Northwest Business Centre.

It promotes entrepreneurship to young campers aged 9 to 12 through a variety of events including visits to local businesses and a chance to develop their own products they'll sell at Market Thursdays.

Youth Business Coordinator Cameron Chambers says the camp will run for a week in late August.

The camp was first introduced to the Fort Frances area last year and was met with tremendous success.

New Website For Riverside

Riverside Health Care Facilities has given its website a makeover.

Spokesperson Nicke Baird says the upgrades to www.riversidehealthcare.ca improves access by computer users to hospital and health information.

The new website includes a "what’s new” section, the ability to donate to the Riverside Foundation for Health Care and a physician recruitment section.

Hydro Outage Planned

A lengthy hydro outage in the Rainy River district is planned by Hydro One.

It will occur Sunday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Hydro One customers  between Fort Frances to Rainy River will be impacted.

The town of Fort Frances is not.

Hydro One says the outage is needed so crews can perform maintenance and equipment upgrades.

First Nation Community Taking On Solar Farms

Three large solar farms planned for the Rainy River district are being taken over by Rainy River First Nations.

The combined 25 megawatt projects in the Pinewood area were started by Ontario Solar P.V. Fields

Chief Jim Leonard says the band pursued a purchase agreement after being unable to get approval for a project of their own.

Leonard says all of the permitting and financing should be in place by the fall allowing construction to begin next summer.

As many as four hundred jobs are expected to be created by the work.

Huffman Prepares To Go Down

The demolition of the former Huffman School in Fort Frances is expected to begin today.

It's removal is to make way for a new 16-lot housing subdivision.

The elementary school opened in 1955 and closed in 2010 with the construction of the new Robert Moore School and subsequently purchased by the town of Fort Frances..

College Graduations Today

Confederation College recognizes its graduates in the Rainy River district today.

About 50 students ,who completed programs, will be awarded certificates or diplomas at a ceremony at the Townshend Theatre, beginning at 5 p.m. tonight.

This afternoon, students participating in the School Within A College initiative will be recognized.

The dual credit program allowed students to earn credits to finish high school and toward a College program.

Sewer Pipes Being Examined

The sewer pipes in Fort Frances are getting a look over beginning today.

Roto-Rooter has been hired to clean and making recordings of the pipe over the next three years to help identify defects.

As the air pressure may push water up, residents are being asked to keep the seats on toilets down, insert plugs in drains not in use and cover all basement floor drains as a precaution.

If there's an odour, it's suggested to pour water down drains and open windows to alleviate the smell

Rule Change Made In Dragon Boat Festival

Organizers of the upcoming Boundary Waters Dragon Boat Festival wants to see more teams.

To help, they've reduced the requirement for females on a team from eight to five.

Registration to enter is made by contacting NCDS

Quest For The Best Seeking Talent

Contestants are now being sought for Quest for the Best.

The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce's annual singing competition will again be a signature event at the upcoming Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championships.

Manager Anneley Armstrong says this year's performers will be judged by former winner Brittany Hayes and Atikokan blues singer Sunday Wilde.

Thirty-six hundred dollars in prizes are up for grabs.

Call the chamber office or visit its website to register.

New Forensic Building Opens

A new OPP forensic identification facility has opened in Kenora.

Commissioner Chris Lewis says it will deal with cases from across northwestern Ontario.

Lewis says the new forensic building was needed to handle the high volume of calls in the region.

Attawapiskat Evacuees Head Home

Some residents of Attawapiskat First Nation who've been living in Fort Frances for the past month are heading home.

About 30 were flown back to their home community yesterday.

Another 30 are still being housed at a local hotel and could be relocating to communities closer to the remote First Nation.

The residents arrived May 11th after being evacuated because of flooding in their community

Premier Committed To Helping Municipalities With Policing Costs

Ontario's Premier says municipal concerns about policing costs at the top of her agenda.

Speaking with CFOB-News, Kathleen Wynne says a committee, involving organizations representing municipalities and police services boards, and the OPP are looking at how to contain costs.


The town of Fort Frances is passing a resolution around calling on the province for more financial support.

It cites financial, economic and a pending wage increase for OPP officers as factors playing into the municipalities struggles to cope.

School Board Seeks Partners To Use Atikokan Schools

The Rainy River District School Board is considering sharing its schools in Atikokan with others.

The board has identified areas at both North Star Community School and Atikokan High School that could be leased out.

Education Director Heather Campbell says both schools are currently under utilized.

Campbell says there is interest and hopes to finalize agreements by the fall.

Report On Chemical Use Released

An expert panel says former Ontario government workers who were exposed to dangerous levels of a powerful herbicide from the 1950's to the 1970's face an elevated risk of disease.

The panel spent two years looking at the use of 2,4,5-T -- a dioxin-laced chemical found in Agent Orange.

It was used mostly by workers at Ontario Hydro, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of Transportation to clear brush and vegetation.

Some former government workers who used the chemicals believe it is responsible for their cancers, but the panel did not make a direct link between elevated exposures and getting sick.

Relay For Life Countdown

A couple of hundred people in Fort Frances are preparing to walk in support of the Canadian Cancer Society.

The 12-hour Relay for Life goes at Fort Frances High School a week from today.

Co-chair Jennifer Anderson says the teams enthusiasm so far could lead to some record fundraising totals.

Some teams have already topped the $10-thousand mark.

Anderson says if all of the teams involved combine for over $100-thousand, she's agreed to have her head shaved at the event.

Fort Frances In Kraft Celebration Tour Contest

The Fort Frances Curling Club wants to be a part of Kraft's Celebration Tour.

Two separate bids have been submitted in a bid to win $25-thousand and host a broadcast of TSN's SportsCentre.

Club member Patrick Briere says they're now waiting to see if they reach the next stage.

TSN will select twenty communities June 30 for the final round requiring them to solicit public support in order to be one of the ten winners.

Briere says if selected, the club would use the money to offset the cost of its new geothermal energy project.

Crossroads Students Visit 93.1 The Border

There could be some future broadcasters in our midst.

Students from the younger grades at Crossroads School in Devlin toured the studios of 93.1 The Border yesterday.

Shelby Kellar spoke with news director Randy Thoms for a story about their visit.

Students also voiced station promos to be heard in the mornings as part of Andy C's show.

Best Of The Best

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The Icebox of the Nation can now brag as being one of the Best of the Best.

International Falls drinking water finished in a tie for second at a North American-wide water tasting competition held in Denver this week.

Chief Operator for the Falls water department Bruce Wilson says its great news.

The Falls qualified for the event after finishing first in a Minnesota water tasting competition earlier this year.

Oklahoma's water was named the best.

Policing Cost Concerns

Fort Frances wants the province to help small municipalities struggling to pay for policing.

In a resolution heading to the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association for support, the town points to economic and financial challenges that impact on that ability to pay.

Councillor Andrew Hallikas, who serves on the NOMA board, says for some communities, it's becoming too bearable.

The town's also concerned what the impact will be when OPP officers receive an 8.5 per cent wage increase next year.

More Cuts Backs At Treaty Three Police Service

More cutbacks for the Treaty Three Police Service.

Public Service Alliance of Canada's Judith Monteith-Farrell says the service's employer has announced a massive rollback in salaries, benefits, and hours.

First Nation Chiefs whose communities are patrolled by the Police Service are meeting Monday to discuss how to proceed with the service.

Safeway Stores Under New Ownership

The parent company of Sobeys is acquiring the Canadian assets of Safeway.

The 5.8-billion-dollar deal is aimed at giving Nova Scotia-based Empire a foothold in Western Canada where Safeway has 213 stores, including one in Fort Frances.

Sobeys owns or franchises more than 13-hundred stores across Canada.

It hasn't decided if the Safeway name will disappear.

"Little Free Libraries" Established

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There are some new libraries popping up around the International Falls area.

"Little Free Libraries" have been set up at City Beach and the Ranier Community Building with more in the works.

Steward Lindsay Goulet says they're small sites where the public can access books in unique locations and run volunteers and stocked through donations by the public..

A stocking of the little library at City Beach will take place tonight from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Breast Cancer Awareness and Prevention Promoted

Breast cancer awareness and prevention will be promoted today at "Market Thursday" in downtown Fort Frances.

Members of the Rainy River District Breast Health Network will be putting a particular focus on men, asking them to remind the women in their lives to do a thorough breast exam.

The network says men can also be diagnosed with breast cancer.

Seven Generations Education Institute Graduation

Seven Generations Education Institute celebrates a milestone today.

It will hold its 25th graduation ceremony at the Memorial Sports Centre in Fort Frances.

93 graduates who enrolled in a variety of secondary and post secondary programs offered at all of Seven Gens sites will be recognized.

Youth Helped Through Lacrosse

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The sport of lacrosse is giving youth at the Ge-Da-Gi-Binez Youth Centre in Fort Frances a chance of learn new life skills

The organization Right to Play and members of the National Lacrosse League are delivering the development program.

Right to Play Manager Lauren Simeson says it's also helps youth identify positive role models.

Aspects of the sport were taught by member of the Lacrosse league.

Andrew McBride, a member of the Calgary Roughnecks, believes it's making a difference.

McGuinty Resigns

Former Ontario premier Dalton McGuinty has formally announced he's resigning as the member of provincial parliament for Ottawa South.

McGuinty says it's a good time for him to step down after nearly 23 years, including ten as premier.

The opposition says he leaves with a cloud of controversy over his head because of gas plant scandal.

Campbell Supports Provincial Budget

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says passing of the provincial budget is good news for hardworking families across northern Ontario.

Campbell joined with her fellow NDP colleagues in supporting the Liberals.

She says feedback from her constituents made it clear they favoured negotiation and compromise over an election.

College Program Staying Despite Concerns

Confederation College says it's too late to move its float plane training program.

The College set up operations at Eva Lake, east of Atikokan, drawing the ire of area cottagers.

College spokesperson Sue Prodaniuk says they understand the cottagers concerns, but the program has to stay where it is for this season.

The cottagers don't feel they were properly consulted by the College.

Native Housing Project Gets Green Light

Fort Frances council has given a native development organization the green-light to begin construction of another multi-unit complex in the town's north end.

Council gave approval to a rezoning request at its meeting last night.

Town planner Faye Flatt says drainage issues brought up by some area residents will be addressed.

Fort Frances Native Urban Waihkaihganan Corporation is proposing a 6-unit building near an existing 10 unit built last year.

Ombudsman Report Targets Jail Guards

Some harsh words from Ontario's ombudsman in a report about jail guards.

Andre Marin says correctional staff are brutalizing inmates and then covering up the abuse in what he calls a "code of silence.''

His report says the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services confirmed excessive force was used against inmates in 26 of the 55 cases it investigated and 31 staff were fired as a result.

Tug Of War Celebrities Expected

There some key political figures expected for this year's Pulling For Peace Tug of War between Fort Frances and International Falls.

Fort Frances councillor Rick Wiedenhoeft says the U.S. Consulate General of Canada has confirmed his attendance to both the Tug of War and Canada Day festivities.

Ontario's Lieutenant Governor David Onley has also expressed interested in visiting, but Wiedenhoeft says arrangements his visit are still to be confirmed.

Meantime, Fort Frances is calling out to residents interested in taking part in the tug of war.

Forty-four pullers, consisting of 28 men and 16 women, are needed for the "Power Pull," the event that will decide who takes home the trophy.

Call Jackie Lampi-Hughes at Energy Fitness if you are interested.

Road Work To Begin Next Month

Google Earth

Planned road improvements to a section of 2nd Street East in Fort Frances will start at the end of the month.

The project includes sewer and water upgrades and paving along 2nd between Mowat and Central Avenues, and Mowat between 2nd and 3rd Streets East.

The work was to begin in May, but Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says rain during the month changed those plans.

Brown says a move to July will also minimize the impact on traffic.

The nearly $1.3 million project is scheduled to be done by September.

MNR Watching For Lightning Fires

MNR file photo

A good and bad weather forecast for the Ministry of Natural Resources fire crews.

Information Officer Debbie McLean says the rain was good but came with a lot of lightning that could translate into new fire starts.

To date over 38-hundred hectares of forest have been burnt this season with just seven of the 139 fires occurring the Rainy River district.

B.C. Artist Seeks Residential School Artifacts

An artist from British Columbia is hoping to collect 25-thousand residential schools artifacts so he can help ensure that the stories of survivors aren't lost.

Carey Newman wants to assemble the pieces onto a cedar base to create a "witness blanket.''

He says his ``must-have'' pieces include something from each of the nearly 150 residential and day schools that once existed in Canada.

One Dead In Boating Mishap

More tragedy on northwestern Ontario waters.

A 64-year old Minnesota man is dead after falling out of boat while on a fishing trip northwest of Thunder Bay.

OPP say Douglas Davis of North Mankato and two other men, also from Minnesota, were in the boat on Manion Lake Saturday afternoon when they somehow all ended up in the water.

Police say the three were pulled from the lake by another group of fisherman.

Town Council Seeks Improvements To Road Out Of Its Jurisdication

Google Map

Fort Frances wants some improvements to the road leading to its airport.

Frog Creek Road is under the control of the Miscampbell Roads Board.

Mayor Roy Avis says they'll calling on both the roads board and the Ministry of Transportation for upgrades.

He suggests the Ministry provide money  normally gives to the roads board to the town to fix the road.

The town estimates the cost to resurface the section by the airport to be about $55-thousand.

New Parking Rules Around Schools Wanted

Members of the Fort Frances Traffic Safety Group want some changes to parking rules around three elementary schools.

They say the measures will help in their efforts to improve the flow of buses and parents who drop off and pick up children at Robert Moore, J.W. Walker and St. Francis Schools.

They include no parking or stopping on certain streets around the schools between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. and modified calender parking on some streets.

A ban on u-turns on roads near the schools and new stop signs on Flinders Avenue at First Street West and on Armit Avenue at Fourth Street East creating a new fourway stop are also be sought.

The group hopes to have the new parking restrictions in place by September.

The Safety Groups request is now before town
council for its consideration.

Demolition Of Former School Goes Next Week

Demolition of a former school in the east end of Fort Frances will begin next week.

The tear down of the former Huffman School is to accommodate construction of a new 16-lot housing subdivision.

None of the lots have yet been purchased, but the town is reworking pricing and sale conditions.

Cost of the development is being paid for out of reserve funds that will be paid back through the sale of the lots.

Budget Vote Today

A vote on the provincial budget goes today.

The New Democrats are promising to vote with the the minority Liberal government to avoid a general election.

The Conservatives say they don't understand how the NDP can call the Liberals corrupt for deleting emails to cover up the cost of cancelling gas plants and then prop up the government by voting for the budget.

Unemployment Claims Stable

The number of people in Koochiching County claiming unemployment benefits is unchanged.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development says a total of 100 claims were filed in May, down just one from April.

That compares with the 59 filed in May 2012.

New Bird Homes Coming To Downtown Fort Frances

Birds will soon find a new home in downtown Fort Frances.

Bird houses will be going up in the core in the near future.

Chair of the Fort Frances Downtown Business Improvement Association Doug Anderson acquired the houses and turned them over to students of the early learning program at Robert Moore School to paint.

Anderson says the final product is thirty-three unique and distinct bird houses with no two being the same.

The BIA is also looking at installing wind chimes.

Busy Weekend For MNR Firefighters

It was a busy weekend for Ministry of Natural Resources forest fire fighters.

Nearly thirty new fires were reported, mostly caused by lightning.

One of the largest is a 15-hundred hectare blaze near the community of Summer Beaver that is being observed.

None of the new fires were in the Rainy River district where the fire hazard is currently moderate.

Canoeing Accident In Quetico

A tragic end to the search of a missing Minnesota man in Quetico Provincial Park.

The body of 78-year-old Richard Barber was located Thursday in Basswood Lake by Provincial Police and the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Richard and his wife Elaine were in the boundary of the park for a canoe trip when their canoe capsized.

Rescue crews were able to locate Elaine and return her safely to Atikokan.

OFIA Happy With New Endangered Species Act

Forestry companies will find it easier to operate with changes to the Endangered Species Act.

President of the Ontario Forest Industries Association Jamie Lim says the changes will streamline how companies operate.

The changes will be in place for the next five years.

Local MP Not Surprised By Conservative MP Decision To Quit

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty isn't surprised an Alberta MP has quit the Conservative caucus over what is being called the Federal Government's lack of transparency.

Rafferty says Brent Rathgeber resigned after his private member's bill was rewritten by a largely Conservative committee.

The NDP member claims there are a lot of unhappy Conservative MPs.