TSN Broadcast Live From Fort Frances.

It was a live broadcast of TSN Sportscentre that drew many to the Marina.

In an address to the crowd, co-anchor Darren Dutchyshyn expressed his amazement of the town's beauty.

During the show, co-anchor Jennifer Hedger remarked about the weather, admitting she made a series miscalculation in expecting much cooler weather.

The show included a feature on the 1952 Canadians Allan Cup winning team, a top ten centered around former resident and NHLer Duncan Keith, and a few notes about Fort Frances as a community.

International Falls was also mentioned for being the backdrop for "Frostbite Falls" in the Rocky and Bullwinkle Show.

Heat Problem During Tour Visit

Heat did prove to be a challenge at the Celebration Tour.

Temperatures soared to above 30 C and with the humidity it felt like 40 C.

Officials say a number of people were treated for heat-related illnesses, requiring a temporary treatment site to be set up at the Memorial Sports Centre.

A fire truck was also used to spray water to help cool the area.

Kraft Window Display Winner

The window display at Northwood's Gallery and Gifts was deemed the best by judges in a contest promoted by the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce around the Kraft tour.

                                                   The staff earned three large gift baskets of Kraft food items from Safeway, two of which were given to the United Native Friendship Centre and the Salvation Army for use in their food banks.

OPP Investigation Attempted Abduction Case

OPP are investigating reports of a man driving a min-van in the region who may be trying to lure young children.

Police were altered of the incident in Atikokan last Tuesday in which two young girls said they ran away after a man tried to offer them candy to get in his vehicle.

The van, described as being light brown or tan in colour, could not be located.

Facebook posts since say there was a similar incident in Thunder Bay, but OPP says police there have no reports to confirm.

Rainy River DSSAB Holds Third Public Session

The final stop today for the Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board as it gathers comment on a new housing and homelessness plan for the next ten years.

A session goes from 9:30 a.m. until noon at the La Place Rendez Vous.

You can also provide input through the Board's website.

Rainy River College Starts Classes Today

Still another day off for students in the Rainy River district, but those attending Rainy River Community College in International Falls go back today.

Dean Elena Favela says they begin the year with several new programs in cooperative arrangements with others.

They include the new security studies program with Itasca Community College that's attracted some interest.

Favela doesn't anticipate much change in enrollment despite pending layoffs at Boise.

Enrolment at the college usually numbers about 300.

Biz Kids Hold Market

Some potential business owners might be in our midst.

Participants of the Biz Kids program took to the streets Friday to sell products created during the week long program.

Dave Lyle of the Northern Ontario Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative says it taught kid all aspects of business.

A total of 7 youngsters between the ages of 8 and 14 took part.

Former Rangers Seek Return Of Program

Pressure is being put on the province to bring back the Ontario Ranger program.

Hundreds of former participants rallied in Huntsville Saturday as part of lobby efforts.

Spokesperson Emily Kerton tells CFOB-News there is support for the program's return and are hoping for a meeting with government to talk about ways of bring Ranger camps and the program back.

The province eliminated the 68-year-old program last fall.

Forest Fires Near Fort Frances

MNR File Photo

Two lightning-caused fires in the Rainy River district last week among thirteen new forest fires recorded by the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Both blazes, north of Fort Frances near Fish Hawk Lake and Priam Lake, were both small in size and now out.

New Routes For St. Francis School Parents

A catholic elementary school will be a part of the Kiss and Ride initiative to start next week at two public schools as well.

Principal of St. Francis School Kim Anderson says parents are asked to follow a designated route to the school.

Anderson says special times in the morning and in the afternoon have been designated for parents to avoid school buses.

Drug Conference Planned

Children who are exposed to the illicit drug trade will be the focus of a conference next month in Fort Frances.

The Drug Endangered Children Conference is being hosted by the Rainy River District Substance Abuse Prevention Team.

Chair Lori Maki says it's will help local agencies better understand the issue as a number of presenters from across North America will be in to talk about experiences elsewhere

Maki says the conference will also help improve communication and procedures between the agencies involved.

Coroner's Inquest Set

A coroner's inquest into the death of a 27-year-old man in Thunder Bay will be held in October.

Bruce Moonias died in December 2006 in hospital following an incident involving both the Nishnawbe Aski Police and OPP.

Municipalities Asked For Help In Cancer Fight

The Canadian Cancer Society is looking for more municipal help in its fight against Cancer.

It wants to see more municipalities pass smoke-free bylaws.

The Society's Florentina Stancu-Soare says Fort Frances council decision to eliminate smoking from front entrances of municipal buildings is welcomed news.

The Society is also looking for municipal support in pending legislation that would restrict young people from using indoor tanning areas.

Border Guards Find Undeclared Weapon

A Texas man will be in court Monday after trying to bring a loaded gun into Canada at the Fort Frances border..

Canada Border Services officers discovered the loaded .38 revolver in a holster the man failed to declare during a check of a vehicle August 14.

He man is now facing several charges including smuggling.

Nurses Seek End To Poverty

An Ontario nurses group wants the provincial Liberals to do better on promises to end poverty.

The Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario has written to Premier Kathleen Wynne for measures they say will help thousand of families and individuals now struggling.

It includes
a hike in the minimum wage, reform of the social assistance system and better access to social housing.

Fort Frances Teen Wins Singing Contest

Young singers took to the stage at Smokey Bear Park in International Falls Thursday as part of a teen idol singing contest.

Dylan Ossachuk of Fort Frances took home top prize.

Holger Oleson was second with Tess Mellon claiming third prize.

New School Will Open On Time

A new school in Emo will open its doors to students as planned.

Work on the new site of the Sturgeon Creek Alternative Program is continuing.


While classrooms are ready for use, some areas, including the gym, won't be accessible until later this fall.

The Christian Parents Association of the Rainy River District says that won't disrupt classes for the approximately 100 students who will begin school as scheduled Tuesday.

Challenging Year For Summer jobs

A challenging year in the search by area students for summer employment in the Rainy River District.

NCDS in Fort Frances dealt with about 200 students looking for work.

Coordinator Tierza Keffer says in some cases, they were making multi visit in search for a second job in hopes of making more money and getting more hours.

Keffer says the downsizing at Resolute Forest Products was also factor in some students not returning and finding work where they are schooling.

CBS To Focus On Youth Next Clinic

The Canadian Blood Services wants more youth to become blood donors.

It will back in Fort Frances in October for another series of clinics.

Spokesperson Mike Choi says they will be greater efforts to get more youth involvement both as donors and volunteers.

Choi says attracting more young people is vital to ensuring a strong supply of blood in the future.

Youth Get Positive Tickets and iPods

Three youth are being rewarded for wearing their bicycle helmets this summer.

7-year-old Julia Sportak of Atikokan, 9-year-old Jesse Marschalk of Fort Frances and 9-year-old Kirsten Armstrong of Rainy River received new iPod Nanos.

OPP summer student, Jessica Coran, says they were among cyclists singled out.in their patrols.

Nearly 100 young cyclists received tickets for wearing their helmets that got them free ice cream and entry into a draw.

DSSAB Discusses Housing Plan in Atikokan

The Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board holds another public session on a new housing and homelessness plan.

It's this morning at the Atikokan General Hospital from 9:30 a.m. until noon.

The board say input will help them clarify Rainy River's housing needs and organize efforts to deal with homelessness.

More Forest Fires

Six new forest fires have sparked in Northwestern Ontario.

None are in the Rainy River district.

Most were lightning caused.

Northern Mayor Present Priorities To Government

The mayors of northern Ontario's largest cities are giving the provincial Government a piece of their mind.

They've presented seven members of Premier Wynn's cabinet a document entitled Northern Priorities.

It asks to focus on several key northern needs, including infrastructure, energy and a fair share of resource revenue.


The Mayors hope the document will provide a more strategic relationship between Ontario and the five largest Northern Ontario Cities.

More Candidates In Minnesota Election Races

A school teacher from Hibbing is throwing his name in the race for Minnesota governor.

Rob Farnsworth is the fifth person to seek the Republican endorsement to challenge Democratic incumbent Mark Dayton next year.

Meantime, another Republican has jumped into the race for the Minnesota U.S. Senate seat held by Democrat Al Franken.

St. Louis County Commissioner Chris Dahlberg joins three others also hoping to unseat Franken.

Cruisin' For A Cause Today

You can grab a bite to eat and help out a good cause today by stopping by A&W.

It's the fifth year for A&W's Cruisin for a Cause for the MS Society.

A dollar from every Teen Burger sold today will be donated to help end MS.

Food Drives Started As Part of Kraft Tour

Local food banks will benefit as a result of the upcoming Kraft Celebration Tour.

Two Fort Frances insurance companies are tying their window displays into food drives.

Causeway Insurance is hoping to fill its store front with Kraft food items.

Gillions' Insurance is also collecting non-perishable food items.

Both are having draws for those who donate.

Missing Man Pulled From Water

OPP have recovered the body of a missing man from Lake of the Woods.

52 year old Gary Dueck of Steinbach was paddle boarding Monday in the area of Pine Portage Bay when fell into the water and failed to resurface.

NOMA Happy With Minister Meetings

Some positives signs for Northwestern Ontario.

President of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association Dave Canfield says the Liberal government appears to more focused on the interests of our region.


Canfield's comments came after NOMA delegates meet with seven different cabinet ministers and PC leader Tim Hudak at this week's meeting of Ontario Municipalities in Ottawa.

Rickford OK With Prorogued Parliament

A Conservative MP calls it smart.

Kenora's Greg Rickford sees no problem with Prime Minister Stephen Harper deciding to prorogue parliament until mid-October.

The opposition is accusing the P-M of hiding from them and being afraid to answer questions about the Senate expense scandal.

New Sculpture Planned For International Falls

A new sculpture is expected to be on display in International Falls in the near future.

It was designed by a pair of students, selected in a contest run by the Northland Arts Society.

Member Denise Kulig says the nearly 7-foot structure will commemorate summer and feature an oversized beach ball, chair and sun.

A site for the sculpture has yet to be decided

Blood Donor Clinics Fall Short Of Goal

The Canadian Blood Services fell short on its goals, but is still pleased with the response it received at blood donor clinics in Fort Frances.

A total 250 people donated 210 units of blood over the past two days.

Spokesperson Mike Choi says they wanted 240 units, but hospital won't suffer as they expect the shortfall can be picked up at clinics elsewhere.

The blood collected is being tested before shipped for use at hospitals across Manitoba and northwestern Ontario.

New Bicycle Map For Minnesota

Some help for bicyclists on where to travel in Minnesota.

The Department of Transportation has published an updated edition of the state's bicycle map.

It includes areas to ride safely across Koochiching County

The map is available both in paper and electronic formats.

Health Group Holds Poster Contest

A regional health care agency is turning to students for help with an upcoming conference.

The Centre for Education and Research on Aging and Health is conducting a poster competition with the theme related to palliative care.

The submissions will be showcased at an event in Thunder Bay this November with the winner earning $100.

Deadline to enter is September 16

Call 1-807-766-7182 for more details.

Minister Responds To Criticism

Ontario Natural Resources Minister is responding to criticism over a recent round of cuts within the MNR.

The union representing workers says layoff notices were issued to 103 employees last week, including two at the Fort Frances office.

In a open letter, David Oriazetti says the MNR is in the midst of implementing a three-year transformation plan, designed to modernize the way the ministry does business and reduce costs.

Oriazetti says once the reorganization is complete next spring, the MNR will have approximately the same number of field operations staff and science and research staff as we do now.

Kiss And Ride Ready To Go

Get ready to Kiss and Ride.

The initiative is being put in place this school year at two public elementary schools in Fort Frances as a safe way for parents to drop off and pick up their children.

The Rainy River District School Board's Travis Enge says starting next week parents will be directed to use new designated areas.

To help educate the public about the safety program, open sessions will be held tonight at Robert Moore School at 6 p.p. and at J.W. Walker at 7 p.m.

More Officers Needed

The chief of police for International Falls is defending his officers and the job they do.

Responding to inquires at city council Monday night about speeders and motorists running stop signs, Chief Mike Musich says there's only so much his force can do with the resources they have.

Musich says more officers will help deal with some of the traffic complaints, and may make that pitch in next year's budget.

Body Recovered From Cliff Diving Accident

OPP divers have recovered the body of a man who went missing while cliff diving near Thunder Bay on the weekend.

The body of 32-year-old Kevin Spade of Sioux Lookout was found in Lake Superior yesterday.

26-year old Marlene Fox of Big Trout Lake, who was rescued from the water Saturday, died in hospital the next day from injuries sustained in the same incident.

Meantime, recovery efforts are still underway on the Kamististiqua River for 31-year-old Jordan Desfosses of Peace River, Alberta.

He went missing after the canoe he was in capsized on Saturday.

Opposition Upset With Decision To Prorogue Parliament

Opposition MP's in northwestern Ontario are expressing shock by the Prime Minister's decision to halt Parliament until after Thanksgiving.

Thunder Bay's Bruce Hyer calls it's ridiculous.

Prime Minister Harper says most of the promises the Conservatives made in the last election have been fulfilled.

Hot And Humid Today

An air conditioned room or a lake might be the place to be today.

Temperatures across the Borderland are forecast to be in the low thirties resulting in peak humidex values, prompting advisories from Environment Canada.

The advisories will likely end tonight as temperatures fall behind a cold front.

Blood Donor Clinics Continue

Blood donor clinics continues in Fort Frances today.

They're at the Fort Frances High School starting at noon to 3 and against tonight from 5 to 8.

About 120 people showed up for a clinic last night

Events Planned For Kraft Celebration Tour

Some special events are planned as part of the upcoming Kraft Celebration Tour.

Fort Frances Curling Club president Ron Silver says street curling will take place Saturday afternoon at the Sorting Gap Marina.

Silver says there will also be a social at the Club Saturday night and an autograph session with the TSN personalities Sunday at noon at the Safeway Store.

Question Of The Week

There's appears to be strong support for bringing back the spring bear hunt.

78 per cent of respondents to our poll would like to hunt to return.

This week, we ask you think government should increase the Ontario's minimum wage.

Let us know on our website, 931theborder.ca.

Little Forest Fire Activity On Weekend

A quiet weekend on the forest fire front.

There were a few new starts, none of any size.

There are currently 15 fires still active in northwestern Ontario, none posing a risk to people or property.

However, with recent storms that passed through the region, there is a chance a few lightning-caused fires could occur in areas where little rain has fallen.

New Docs Coming

There are new doctors coming to Fort Frances.

Doctor Melanie Halverson and Dr. Craig Holland will set up practice at the Fort Frances Community Clinic as well as provide emergency department and Hospital services.

Halverson is from the area and a graduate of the University of Ottawa Medical School.

Holland is currently practicing in Midland, Michigan.

The local medical community will also host two third year students from the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Lucas Keffer of Fort Frances and Robert Foulds of Nipigon.

MPP Supports Demands For Wage Hike

A northwestern Ontario MPP is adding her name to those looking for a hike in Ontario's minimum wage.

Kenora-Rainy River's Sarah Campbell says people can't survive at the current rate.

Demonstration were held across the province last week calling on the government to bump it up the current hourly rate of $10.25 to $14.00.

Municipal Leaders In Ottawa

There's a strong northwestern Ontario contingent at this week's meeting of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario.

Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association president, Dave Canfield says he hoping to address a number of issues when they get a chance to talk with members of Premier Wynn's cabinet.

Mayor Roy Avis, Councillors Paul Ryan and Andrew Hallikas and Chief Administrative Officer Mark McCaig are those from Fort Frances attending.

Remains Found In Burned Out Shack

St. Louis County authorities say human remains have been found in the ashes of a hunting shack near Tower in northeastern Minnesota.

The St. Louis County sheriff's office says the owner of the hunting shack discovered the structure had been destroyed Saturday evening, and found the remains inside.

The cause of the person's death, the person's identity and the cause of the fire have not yet been determined.

Treaty 3 Police Losing Deputy Police Chief

Treaty Three Police Service is losing its Deputy Police Chief.

Terry Armstrong will become Nishawbe-Aski's Chief of Police beginning September 3.

His departure come a week after Police Chief Conrad Delaronde announced his plans to retire from Treaty 3.