Allan Bradbury is originally from St. John’s, NL. He studied journalism at the College of the North Atlantic in St. John’s and before that he studied at Tyndale University in Toronto. Before joining The Times, Allan wrote for CBC NL and Saltwire Network.
On Friday, May 8, Flora’s Walk for Perinatal Mental Health will take place in Fort Frances. The Walk aims to raise funds and awareness for maternal mental health in the Fort Frances area. Kaylee Heyens-McMahon is a local therapist and co-owner of Northwestern Ontario Counselling & Consulting. She said perinatal… Read more: Flora’s walk to help fund local maternal mental health resources
It’s only been a week since the Fort Frances Lakers lost in Game 7 of the SIJHL Bill Salonen Cup finals, but the team is ready to get going again. On Tuesday, the team announced that forward Gunnar Simon has been named the team’s captain for the 2026-27 season. Lakers… Read more: Lakers look to build on success going into the offseason
In my five seasons as the sports reporter for The Times, nothing has been more magical to cover from start to finish than this Lakers’ season. From an opening weekend sweep to jump out to 2-0, followed by another winning weekend to go 4-0, something about this team felt different… Read more: Thanks for the ride, see you next season
Going into Game 7, the visiting team had won every game of the 2026 Bill Salonen Cup SIJHL finals between the Fort Frances Lakers and the Thunder Bay North Stars—unfortunately, the Lakers couldn’t buck that trend Tuesday night, falling 5-4 in a hard-fought contest to end what has been an… Read more: Heartbreak on home ice: Lakers lose dramatic Game 7 in overtime
By Allan Bradbury abradbury@fortfrances.com The Thunder Bay North Stars came out firing and scored early in game five of their engagement with the Fort Frances Lakers Friday night, carrying the lion’s share of the game and beating the Lakers 4-2. A few errors on the part of the Lakers cost… Read more: Lakers lose 4-2 in game five, fall behind TBay in Salonen Cup final series
Chris McKhool – 7x Canadian Folk Music Award winner, 2026 JUNO nominee for Children’s Album of the Year, and one of the country’s most beloved family entertainers – will be undertaking an eleven-date northern Ontario tour in celebration of his long-awaited new album Little Leaf. Stopping in Fort Frances on… Read more: Local trying to re-form labour Council
On Thursday night, at their final passport season show, Tour de Fort announced the lineup for next year’s season series starting in September. The series will kick off on September 16, 2026, with Juno winner and famed Canadian female rocker, Sass Jordan. According to her bio, Jordan has been a… Read more: Tour de Fort to kick off new season with Sass Jordan
The Fort Frances Lakers head coach is being recognized as the top coach in the league with the announcement coming Thursday morning as the team prepares to play in the league finals. “As a first year coaching, I couldn’t have asked for a better year,” Judson said shortly after the… Read more: Lakers’ Judson named SIJHL Coach of the Year
When John Wort Hannam hits the Townshend Theatre stage on Thursday night as part of this year’s Tour de Fort season, it won’t be his first time in Fort Frances. “I’ve been to Fort Frances once before,” the singer-songwriter said. “I played a beautiful little house concert down by the… Read more: John Wort Hannam trio wraps up Tour De Fort season this week
When the Fort Frances Lakers hit the ice Friday night against the Thunder Bay North Stars they’ll be up against a team that took out the second overall Dryden Ice Dogs in five games. The Lakers won all four home games against the North Stars but lost three of four… Read more: Lakers in tough against Thunder Bay North Stars in Salonen Cup Finals
The first road win of the series came at the perfect moment as the Fort Frances Lakers toppled the Kam River Fighting Walleye 5-2 Sunday night in Oliver Paipoonge to advance to the Bill Salonen Cup Finals, where they’ll take on the Thunder Bay North Stars starting Friday night at… Read more: Lakers come alive on the road, advance to finals
After a hard-fought victory at home, the Fort Frances Lakers will head to Oliver Paipoonge Sunday, looking to cap off their series against the Kam River Walleye with one last win. Teagan Wrolstad had a goal and an assist Friday night, and goaltender Brady Cates stopped 32 of 33 shots… Read more: Local players help Lakers push Walleye to the brink of elimination
The Fort Frances Lakers will head into Kam River’s barn tonight for their third game in a best-of-seven semifinal series after taking the first two with tough-fought 2-1 and 5-4 victories at home. The Lakers are likely facing another close battle against the Fighting Walleye tonight and Wednesday after two… Read more: Lakers head to Kam River tonight after winning first two semifinal games
By Allan Bradbury Staff Writer abradbury@fortfrances.com It was nearly a repeat of game one as the Kam River Fighting Walleye tied the game with less than 90 seconds on the clock, but Fort Frances Lakers Captain Pierce Gouin kept the game out of overtime as the clock wound down. Unlike… Read more: Lakers score late to take second straight game in semifinal
The case of former Rainy River District School Board principal Shane Beckett, who has been charged with two counts of child luring, has been set over until June 25 as lawyers for both sides prepare. Beckett’s case was called before the Justice of the Peace’s Case Management Court Thursday morning… Read more: Case of principal accused of child luring adjourned until June
When the Fort Frances Lakers take to the ice Friday night against the Kam River Walleye, they will be doing so with extra motivation as one of the cornerstone players of the season will be missing. Lakers goaltender Nolan Koethler will be absent from the playoff run after an accident… Read more: Lakers prepared for SIJHL semi-finals without one of their goalies
Last week, 12 members of Naicatchewenin (Northwest Bay) First Nation (NFN) took part in ice rescue training, which will enable them to help out community members who find themselves in trouble. Bob Morrison is the Community Emergency Management Coordinator, Deputy Fire Chief and First Response Team Coordinator for the First… Read more: Area First Nation taking responsibility for community safety with ice rescue training
The Fort Frances Kiwanis Club is set for its 12th annual Easter Eggstravaganza on Saturday, April 4 on Scott Street. Diane Maxey, a Kiwanis Club member and one of the organizers for the Easter-themed event, recalled the first ever Eggstravaganza, which took place Ink Spotz Apparel as the weather took… Read more: Saturday’s Easter Eggstravaganza promises to be a treat for everyone
Local playwright Robin Taylor Wright has been hosting play readings in Fort Frances and around Canada for the last couple of years, and now, over the next few months, one of his shows will take to the stage in the United Kingdom. Wright is producing his works under the banner… Read more: Local playwright taking show across the pond
The penultimate show in the Tour De Fort 2025-26 concert series takes to the Townshend Theatre stage next week as a trio of young women bring their siren song to Fort Frances. Jessica Pearson is the trio’s lead singer and plays guitar, and said the band’s music trends towards classic… Read more: Jessica Pearson and the East Wind blowing into Fort Frances
With a weekend sweep of the Ironwood Lumberjacks, the Fort Frances Lakers clinched the first overall spot going into the SIJHL playoffs and earned a bye through the first round. Friday night’s performance was lackluster by head coach Luke Judson’s standards. Despite the 3-2 win, he knew the team could… Read more: Lakers top SIJHL season standings, earn playoff bye
After weather derailed the playoff tournament schedule, it would take the Muskies an additional three days to retain the hockey title they captured a year ago. The Muskie boys were in tough in their semi-final match against the St. Thomas Aquinas Saints out of Kenora when they finally had their… Read more: Muskie boys repeat as NorWOSSA champions
A repeat performance wasn’t in the cards for the Muskie Girls as they wrapped up their season with a 5-1 loss to the St. Thomas Aquinas Saints in the NorWOSSA hockey finals. After a dominating 16-0 win over the Beaver Brae Broncos on Friday, Saturday just didn’t go their way.… Read more: Muskie girls fall to St. Thomas Aquinas Saints in NorWOSSA finals
On Tuesday March 10, Fort Frances Canadian Tire owner John Malgo and his wife Marinela handed off a cheque for $20,000 to support Riverside Health Care’s Lights, Camera, Diagnosis! fundraising campaign. Malgo, who has owned the Fort Frances store for 11 years, said he really believes in the cause, which… Read more: Canadian Tire Fort Frances donates $20k to hospital campaign
Fort Frances Canadian Tire re-opened Monday about two and a half months after the closed following a break in and arson at the King’s Highway store. Following a cheque presentation to Riverside Health Care’s Lights, Camera, Diagnosis campaign, owner John Malgo discussed the complicated issues surrounding the restoration process. “It’s… Read more: Canadian Tire re-opens after arduous restoration process
The Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre (FFPLTC) launched a community survey to learn more about what its patrons are looking for. With the survey having launched last Friday, Feb. 27, FFPLTC CEO Nadine Cousineau says it’s been a while since the library has sought direction from the community. “We… Read more: FFPLTC looking for input
The Fort Frances High School Muskie hockey teams will head to the NORWOSSA playoffs tomorrow in Sioux Lookout with hopes of qualifying for the A/AA Ontario high school hockey championships. The Muskie girls finished top of the NORWOSSA standings and will play the Beaver Brae Broncos, while the Muskie boys… Read more: Muskies’ road to OFSAA hockey goes through Sioux Lookout
After six managers in six years, the Town of Fort Frances is looking to add some stability to the recreation department by bringing in a long-time manager to give guidance to the Recreation and Culture department. Craig Miller has been the Environmental Superintendent for the Town of Fort Frances since… Read more: Miller steps in following Rec and Culture Manager’s departure
The Fort Frances Lakers showed they reside at the top of the SIJHL standings for a reason Tuesday night against the team in the league’s second place spot. The game at the Memorial Sports Centre got off to a slow start with a lot of back and forth between the… Read more: Lakers drop Ice Dogs 4-1 to cement top spot in standings
Shane Beckett, 53, a prominent local citizen and elementary school principal, was arrested on Tuesday and charged Wednesday with two counts of child luring. In information provided to The Times by the court, the allegations are that Beckett “between the 9th day of February in the year 2026 and the… Read more: Local elementary school principal arrested, charged with child luring
On Wednesday, Feb. 10, the Town of Fort Frances published a letter that indicated the town’s taxpayers would not foot the bill for the Town’s drawn out legal dispute over the east end area known as Point Park. While MPP Greg Rickford and MP Marcus Powlowski were able to lobby… Read more: Mayor clarifies source of legal funding
A shutout on Sunday night and a tight contest on Family Day Monday saw the Fort Frances Lakers take four points over the weekend to remain atop the SIJHL standings. Sunday’s game was a 7-0 blowout, which despite the score, was no small achievement. Each of the Lakers’ seven goals… Read more: Lakers celebrate Family Day with a sweep of the Bombers
The Town of Fort Frances will not need to pay the legal costs to the province and federal governments following lobbying efforts on their behalf. Early Wednesday evening the Town of Fort Frances published a letter, attributed to Mayor Andrew Hallikas and CAO Marcel Michaels, announcing that the region’s federal… Read more: Local representatives lobby governments to lighten legal fees
The Lakers have partnered with Rusty Myers Fly-In Outposts and other local fishing and tourism businesses to use the weekend to celebrate lake life in the Fort Frances region. With the announcement from the province noting that the Family Day weekend is a free fishing weekend, and with temperatures creeping… Read more: To the Lake-ers game! Lakers hosting fishing themed promos for Family Day weekend
The opening ceremonies are imminent, competition has already begun, and thus the 2026 Olympics are underway. Canada’s drive to own the Olympic podium began yesterday with the first games of mixed doubles curling. Canada emerged victorious over Czechia 10-5, adding a second win over Norway this morning 6-3 and will… Read more: Competion started, Olympic cauldron to be lit Friday night
While they weren’t on the schedule at the start of the season, Tour de Fort attendees will be treated to a fiery performance next week when The McDades take to the stage in place of originally scheduled The Hello Darlins. The McDades are a Juno award-winning celtic-rooted band with Alberta… Read more: The McDades to play in place of The Hello Darlins next Wednesday
Last week the Ministry of the Attorney General announced that four new judges have been appointed to the Ontario Court of Justice to serve across Ontario, including one in Ontario’s northwest. Justice Archana Arun Medhkar comes to Northern Ontario from India by way of a long career in Toronto, according… Read more: Despite addition of judicial resources, law association concerned about other supports
When the SIJHL’s top players take to the ice Feb. 6-7 in Dryden, Fort Frances Lakers will be well represented, with seven players across the two teams and an assistant coach behind the bench as well. Five members of the Lakers, goaltender Brady Cates, defenseman Zak Green, and forwards Pierce… Read more: Seven Lakers, assistant coach named to SIJHL All-Star game
Billet and family weekend started with a bang as a penalty-filled game made its way to overtime with the Lakers pulling off the victory against the Kam River Walleye on Friday, January 23, 2026, followed by another the next night. The Lakers hit the road tonight for three in a… Read more: Lakers secure winning season record with weekend sweep
Canadian rock, reggae, and blues outfit Big Sugar will open the 2026 portion of the Tour De Fort concert series at the Townshend Theatre next Wednesday night. Active off and on since 1988, the band is currently the re-release of their 1996 platinum selling album Hemi-Vision and will play through… Read more: Big Sugar to rock Townshend Theatre next week
Local curler Aili Chabot will be headed to Timmins for the U-18 nationals in just a few weeks to represent team Northern Ontario as a member of Team Lily Wright, curling out of the Kakabeka Falls Curling Club. “I was playing mixed doubles at Kakabeka Falls last year and [coach]… Read more: Local curler headed to U-18 nationals with Kakabeka team
The Fort Frances High School Muskies boys and girls teams will combine to take on first responders from the region tomorrow night on the Ice For Kids rink. The event is organized by OPP Cst. Kristina Bombay who is also a Mobile Crisis officer in the region. “Last year we… Read more: Mental health hockey game back for second year tomorrow
They were made in 1966 when Glen Jackson opened his garage in Barwick. The bright orange sweaters were the talk of the Curl Fort Frances Community Centre last weekend during the Ice Box Days Bon Spiel. Tom Jackson is custodian of the sweaters and his team wore them for the… Read more: Vintage sweaters make appearance at Ice Box Bonspiel
The Fort Frances Lakers shook off the holiday rust to tackle a two-game sweep of the Thunder Bay North Stars last weekend. On Friday night, January 9, 2026, the Lakers looked rusty out of the gate and both teams struggled until captain Pierce Gouin broke the stalemate late in the… Read more: Lakers sweep North Stars to take top spot in SIJHL standings
On Friday Dec. 19, 2025, at its annual Christmas breakfast for office staff, chief and council of Rainy River First Nations, as well as the family of Gary Medicine, honoured OPP constable Aaron Green who successfully used his OPP issued drone to help find Medicine when he was lost on… Read more: Rainy River First Nations honours OPP officer who helped find lost community member
Since not everyone has family or friends close at hand during the holiday season, a local organization is hosting a pair of events meant to bring people together. On Dec. 29 and 30 the Canadian Mental Health Association’s (CMHA) Fort Frances Branch will host A Celebration of the Winter Season… Read more: CMHA bringing people together over the holidays
The annual Community Christmas Dinner sponsored by Flint House and the Cridland family will take place once again this year, bringing together volunteers across the community to give everyone a free holiday meal. Stacey and Christine Cridland and their family are busy preparing to serve over 500 meals to members… Read more: Volunteer hours and love go into making Community Christmas Dinner special
It was teddy bear toss night at the Fort Frances High School Muskie boys exhibition game and the bears were certainly tossed. The Muskies toppled the rebuilding Lake of the Woods Bears 9-0. Drake Bodnar was credited with the Muskies first goal after the puck took a bounce in the… Read more: Muskie boys beat Bears in exhibition play
As of the first of 2026, Circular Materials will assume management of recycling pick up in the Town of Fort Frances while GFL remains the local contractor. Circular Materials is a national not-for-profit organization which has been created by companies which produce a significant portion of recyclable refuse. Founding partners… Read more: Circular Materials to take over Fort Frances recycling as of January 1
This week, Flint House, a restaurant which has become known as one of the best in Fort Frances, celebrates its 10th anniversary. Originally purchased by the late Duane Cridland, his family is keeping the legacy alive. Thinking back 10 years, Stacey Cridland, who manages the restaurant now, and her sister… Read more: Flint House celebrating 10 years of serving food and the community
In an effort to give the First Nation’s children something to do after school, as well as give them some incentive to go to school every day, Naicatchewenin First Nation opened the The Sagaankwat Youth Centre on Wednesday Nov. 26, 2025. The centre is named for a young boy who… Read more: Naicatchewenin First Nation opens youth centre
Two forwards, a defender, and a goaltender from the Fort Frances Lakers will make their way to Thunder Bay in the new year to compete with other SIJHL all-stars against the Lakehead University Thunderwolves. Lakers forward and captain Pierce Gouin, forward and Fort Frances native Teagan Wrolstad, defenseman Judd Pesch,… Read more: Four Lakers selected to SIJHL all-star showcase in Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP Marcus Powlowski says he thinks the country is in good shape following the passage of the federal government’s budget last week. In order for the budget to pass, Prime Minister Mark Carney, Powlowski and the ruling Liberal party required an assist from the Green Party and… Read more: Powlowski optimistic about federal budget’s prospects for region
Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP Marcus Powlowski will be maintaining his office in the western part of his riding after all. There was speculation that Powlowski would have to close the office after he was unable to find a part-time staffer, but someone will be stepping into the role and the… Read more: Powlowski’s constituency office to remain open in Fort Frances
Two Canadian country crooners have paired up to bring festive cheer across Canada, including a stop in Fort Frances. George Canyon and Aaron Pritchett are stopping for a show at the Townshend Theatre on Dec. 2 and are bringing along some country flavoured Yuletide tunes, along with a few of… Read more: Cowboy Country Christmas show to hit Fort Frances
After working for years to get it up and running, the Emo Seniors’ Centre is officially open. The centre held a dinner and ribbon cutting last Thursday, November 13, 2025, to mark the special occasion, and board member Cindy Judson started the evening off by addressing the gathered group to… Read more: Emo Seniors’ Centre celebrates grand opening
The Fort Frances Lakers have won three games in a row since last Tuesday, including a pair against the Red Lake Miners on Friday and Saturday, and tonight they’re looking to take a bite out of the Dryden Ice Dogs’ lead atop the SIJHL standings. Following a 2-1 win over… Read more: Lakers win three out of three, tougher test against Dryden tonight
On Friday, Oct. 31, Municipal Clerk Chelsea Greig and Communications Coordinator and Deputy Clerk Ally Lewis conducted four marriage ceremonies in a clearing on the Eighth St. Trails in Fort Frances. This is the second elopement day the two Town of Fort Frances clerks have conducted this year, amounting to… Read more: Town clerks conduct Halloween elopement spree
On Saturday, November 8, 2025, Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung Historical Centre, also known as Manitou Mounds, will unveil “To Serve and Protect: Indigenous Voices of Valour,” an exhibit that showcases the stories of indigenous veterans. Jessie Richard is the Archivist and Grant Manager at Manitou Mounds who has worked on the exhibit. “The… Read more: Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung to open Indigenous veterans exhibit ahead of Remembrance Day
After an 8-5 loss on Halloween in Dryden, the Fort Frances Lakers beat the Kam River Walleye 6-3 in a rare Sunday evening contest. Kam River jumped out to a lead about five minutes into the first period and the Lakers struggled going 0-3 on powerplay before Judd Pesch got… Read more: Lakers bounce back after tough loss in Dryden
If you didn’t get a Tour De Fort Passport and are hoping to hear some live music right here at home, you have a chance coming soon. Canadian blues musician Jesse Roper is making a special appearance on the Townshend Theatre stage next Tuesday, November 4, 2025, as an extra… Read more: Jesse Roper brings the blues to Fort Frances next week
After spending a long time away from family living in Toronto, Jessica Shute and Jol Smith moved back to the Fort Frances area. One of the big things they missed was specialty coffee and something they saw a market for was high quality men’s and short hair grooming, so they… Read more: Something new in Fort Frances: Turtle Island Café and Barber Shop
A decade-old Fort Frances tradition set to take place next week would appreciate additional community support. An effort to give families a safe Halloween of trick-or-treating started in 2014 as “Project Safe Halloween,” the Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre (FFPLTC) has hosted the event in its parking log for… Read more: Trunk or Treat looking for additional trunks, candy donations
Singer-songwriter Melissa Payne will play for the sold-out Tour De Fort Audience on Saturday, but for those who don’t have a passport, you can get a taste of Payne’s music at Boston Pizza on Friday night. Payne, who hails from Ennismore, Ont., near Peterborough, got into music as a child… Read more: Melissa Payne to play twice in Fort Frances
A local children’s entertainment series is holding a fundraiser in an effort to make its shows free to all this year. Committee member Nadine Cousineau says that Kids & Company’s goal is to expose local children to the arts. “So Kids & Company’s goal is to foster an appreciation of… Read more: Kids & Co Fort Frances holding fundraiser for free shows
A new face has joined the Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre (FFPLTC) helping to fill a void and bring new programming and fun for younger library patrons. Alina Eldridge has joined the FFPLTC to take responsibility for the children’s section and activities oriented towards young people at the library.… Read more: Fort Frances Library welcomes new Children and Youth Services Coordinator
At the Sept. 22, 2025 meeting of Fort Frances Town Council, councillors enacted a by-law appointing Wayne Riches as the interim chief of Fort Frances Fire and Rescue. Originally from southern Ontario, Riches moved to the Fort Frances area in late 90s to work with the Ministry of Natural Resources… Read more: Riches optimistic about future of Fort Frances Fire and Rescue as he takes over
The Fort Frances Lakers improved their record to 4-0 over the course of the weekend, leading to an announcement on Monday that they’d cracked the Canadian Junior Hockey League ranking’s Top 20 for the first time since 2016. Friday night saw the Lakers once again matched up against the league-worst… Read more: Lakers improve to 4-0 to start the season, top 10 in CJHL
Cory Larocque and John Desaulniers held off all competitors last weekend to emerge as the champions of the 2025 Rainy River Walleye Tournament. Larocque and Desaulniers weighed in at top spot on day one with 12.47 lbs., and after an up and down day two they landed 6.85 lbs to… Read more: Cory Larocque and John Desaulniers take Rainy River Walleye Tournament
Last Friday saw the Fort Frances High School Muskies win the 76th Homecoming football game with a 61-21 victory over the Beaver Brae Broncos out of Kenora. The Homecoming win on Friday, September 19, 2025, marks three straight at home victories to start the Muskie football season. The black and… Read more: Muskies overcome tackling struggles to beat Broncos
Residents and business owners on Scott Street’s 200 block had water and heavy machinery on their doorsteps this morning as a water main break under the street had water running out of the road near the Salvation Army Thrift Store. Manager of Operations and Facilities for the Town of Fort… Read more: Messy morning on Scott Street
A rainy morning may have threatened the first ever Burger Wars Street Festival, but the once the rain dried up, a warm afternoon turned into a busy evening on Scott Street. Owner of Talk On The Street Eatery and Burger Wars organizing committee member Cathy Handberg says when she saw… Read more: Local burgers win prizes at first ever Burger Wars
Members of the local community and members of the four Agency One First Nations Couchiching, Mitaanjigamiing, Naicatchewenin, and Nigigoonsiminikaaning gathered at Point Park this week on land recently affirmed by the courts to fall under their jurisdiction. Agency One First Nations Lands Limited Partnership CEO Angela Mose described the day,… Read more: Future on the minds of Agency One First Nations following court decision
In less than 10 days the Fort Frances Lakers will drop the puck on the 2025-26 season when they face off against the Red Lake Miners and the Dryden Ice Dogs in a back-to-back home series to launch the SIJHL’s 25th season. Formerly the team’s General Manager and Assistant Coach,… Read more: Lakers coach, GM pleased with camp so far
As parents and students were notified at the end of the 2024-25 school year, the new Rainy River K-12 school will not be ready for students to begin next week when school resumes. Heather Campbell, the Director of Education for the Rainy River District School Board, says the delays in… Read more: Students in Rainy River to start year at old schools
Tour De Fort’s passports have almost sold out for the 2025-206 season in anticipation of their big season opener, Canadian legends Crash Test Dummies. Originally from Winnipeg, the band took off in the early 90s with the success of their 1991 single “Superman’s Song,” featuring the distinctive vocals of lead… Read more: Crash Test Dummies to launch almost sold out Tour De Fort season
Last week, Baseball Manitoba held clinics in Fort Frances and Emo in hopes of forming a foundation for future programs in the region. Roger Langlais is a former Rainy River District resident and is now the president of Baseball Manitoba. Langlais says he can remember growing up playing baseball in… Read more: Baseball MB looking to make inroads in Rainy River District
On Saturday morning of the 125th annual Rainy River Valley Agricultural Fall Fair, board president Sheri Hay formally announced that Alexis Latter had won the Fair’s first ever Fair Ambassador competition. Latter is a student heading into Grade 12 at Fort Frances High School. She says she found out she… Read more: Latter named inaugural Fair Ambassador
The Town of Fort Frances has a new set of Hall of Famers. After the evening was kicked off with an Honour Song by the Rainy Lake Drum and the singing of the National Anthem by Cassandra Armstrong, Fort Frances Mayor Andrew Hallikas greeted those in attendance at the fifth… Read more: Sports Hall inductees thank family, mentors
At 12:58 a.m. today, the Air Canada Component of the Canadian Union for Public Employees announced that flight attendants intend to walk off the job this weekend. In response, at 1:30 a.m. Air Canada issued a lockout notice. In a union press release, the bargaining unit’s president Wesley Lesosky says… Read more: Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flight attendants to strike this weekend
The last full week of July saw local hockey standout Annalise ‘C.C.’ Hayes host the first ever CH27 Hockey Camp at the Memorial Sports Complex, an event that saw the accomplished player help local athletes develop crucial skills for the game. Hayes, a well-known player from her time with the… Read more: First ever CH27 Hockey Camp a success
The Emo Fair is just about a month away and this year marks a special milestone, with the theme of the event being based around their 125th anniversary. The Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society Fall Fair as it’s officially known, began back in 1900 and was down on Emo’s Front… Read more: Fair committee gearing up for special 125th edition
Fort Frances Swifties get ready, your time is now. Taylor’s Story–A Live Concert Experience will take place tonight at the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship tent. The show will be a tribute featuring a live band and a Taylor Swift impersonator. Embodying the pop legend whose Eras Tour swept the… Read more: A tribute to Taylor Swift to fill the big tent with big music
Yesterday, Wednesday July 2, Fort Frances Mayor Andrew Hallikas and Mayor Drake Dill of International Falls came together to sign a declaration of friendship between the two municipalities. Following the ceremony Halikas noted that in conversation both mayors acknowledged that citizens of both towns were wary about crossing the border,… Read more: Fort Frances, International Falls mayors recognize close ties with formal proclamation
Ally Lewis joined the Town of Fort Frances as Communications Coordinator and Deputy Clerk in the spring and is learning the ropes of working for municipal government. Lewis comes to Fort Frances from the Kitchener-Waterloo (K-W) region, where she most recently worked in Elmira after growing up in Georgetown, closer… Read more: New Communications Coordinator at Civic Centre hoping to help shape community
The Township of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls launched its expanded Red Pine mountain bike and hiking trails on Friday with a community barbecue and cake to celebrate. The trail expansion comes as the result of a financial partnership between the town and the federal and provincial governments. Both the Federal Economic… Read more: Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls inaugurates mountain bike trail expansion
Near the end of a high school athletic career full of achievements, Grade 12 athlete Payton Dolyny was given a seldom distributed honour by being recognized with the Fort Frances High School Athletes Hall of Fame Award. At the school’s annual awards ceremony held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, FFHS… Read more: Dolyny named first member of FFHS Athletes Hall of Fame since 2012
In December 2024, council requested staff to research the possibility of creating a naming rights policy in an effort to increase Town revenue. That policy was brought to council at Monday night’s meeting and formally adopted. The report, which includes a draft policy, was brought to council by CAO Marcel… Read more: Fort Frances Town Council adopts naming rights policy
On May 21, girls from Robert Moore and J.W. Walker schools gathered at the Fort Frances sports fields to take part in a fun-filled day of baseball. Rebecca Tolen is the Youth Outreach Worker at Robert Moore School and helped run the program. “J.W. Walker and Robert Moore were both… Read more: Local elementary girls take a swing at baseball thanks to Blue Jays program
Annalise “CC” Hayes is well known in the Fort Frances area, the former Muskie Girls captain who saw the team to multiple OFSAA appearances and medals and has now won a championship overseas and is bringing her hockey knowledge home to the Fort Frances area for a week of hockey… Read more: Local hockey standout hosting hockey camp this summer
On Thursday, May 22, 2025, a number of community members gathered to speak out against the abuse of women and children as part of the Moose Hide Campaign. “The Moose Hide Campaign began as a BC-born Indigenous-led grassroots movement to engage men and boys in ending violence towards women and… Read more: Moose hide campaign seeks to end violence against women and children
Coun. Bill Morrison is the first and only candidate—so far—to have thrown their hat into the ring for this year’s municipal election. Morrison’s nomination was the sole entry on the Town of Fort Frances website as of publication today for the upcoming elections on Oct. 26. But there’s still plenty… Read more: Morrison the only listed candidate in Fort Frances six days after 2026 election nominations open
On Friday, May 8, Flora’s Walk for Perinatal Mental Health will take place in Fort Frances. The Walk aims to raise funds and awareness for maternal mental health in the Fort Frances area. Kaylee Heyens-McMahon is a local therapist and co-owner of Northwestern Ontario Counselling & Consulting. She said perinatal… Read more: Flora’s walk to help fund local maternal mental health resources
It’s only been a week since the Fort Frances Lakers lost in Game 7 of the SIJHL Bill Salonen Cup finals, but the team is ready to get going again. On Tuesday, the team announced that forward Gunnar Simon has been named the team’s captain for the 2026-27 season. Lakers… Read more: Lakers look to build on success going into the offseason
Going into Game 7, the visiting team had won every game of the 2026 Bill Salonen Cup SIJHL finals between the Fort Frances Lakers and the Thunder Bay North Stars—unfortunately, the Lakers couldn’t buck that trend Tuesday night, falling 5-4 in a hard-fought contest to end what has been an… Read more: Heartbreak on home ice: Lakers lose dramatic Game 7 in overtime
The Fort Frances Lakers will look to break a 10-year Bill Salonen Cup drought tonight at a sold-out Ice for Kids Arena in a Game 7 final that promises to either be a dramatic end to the team’s stellar season or a ticket-punch to the Centennial Cup, Canada’s National Junior… Read more: It all comes down to this! Lakers look to cap stellar season with Salonen Cup win in sold-out Game 7
By Allan Bradbury abradbury@fortfrances.com The offence came to life and goaltender Brady Cates was his usual rock-solid self as the Fort Frances Lakers defeated the Thunder Bay North Stars 5-2 on the road Saturday night, tying the Salonen Cup final series at three games apiece and forcing Game 7 this… Read more: Lakers live to fight another day as 5-2 win over Thunder Bay forces Game 7 at home this Tuesday
By Allan Bradbury abradbury@fortfrances.com The Thunder Bay North Stars came out firing and scored early in game five of their engagement with the Fort Frances Lakers Friday night, carrying the lion’s share of the game and beating the Lakers 4-2. A few errors on the part of the Lakers cost… Read more: Lakers lose 4-2 in game five, fall behind TBay in Salonen Cup final series
On Thursday night, at their final passport season show, Tour de Fort announced the lineup for next year’s season series starting in September. The series will kick off on September 16, 2026, with Juno winner and famed Canadian female rocker, Sass Jordan. According to her bio, Jordan has been a… Read more: Tour de Fort to kick off new season with Sass Jordan
When John Wort Hannam hits the Townshend Theatre stage on Thursday night as part of this year’s Tour de Fort season, it won’t be his first time in Fort Frances. “I’ve been to Fort Frances once before,” the singer-songwriter said. “I played a beautiful little house concert down by the… Read more: John Wort Hannam trio wraps up Tour De Fort season this week
When the Fort Frances Lakers hit the ice Friday night against the Thunder Bay North Stars they’ll be up against a team that took out the second overall Dryden Ice Dogs in five games. The Lakers won all four home games against the North Stars but lost three of four… Read more: Lakers in tough against Thunder Bay North Stars in Salonen Cup Finals
The first road win of the series came at the perfect moment as the Fort Frances Lakers toppled the Kam River Fighting Walleye 5-2 Sunday night in Oliver Paipoonge to advance to the Bill Salonen Cup Finals, where they’ll take on the Thunder Bay North Stars starting Friday night at… Read more: Lakers come alive on the road, advance to finals
After a hard-fought victory at home, the Fort Frances Lakers will head to Oliver Paipoonge Sunday, looking to cap off their series against the Kam River Walleye with one last win. Teagan Wrolstad had a goal and an assist Friday night, and goaltender Brady Cates stopped 32 of 33 shots… Read more: Local players help Lakers push Walleye to the brink of elimination
Following a pair of wins against the Kam River Walleye on home turf, the Fort Frances Lakers lost their first away game 4-1. The two teams are currently facing off in the semifinals of the SIJHL’s playoff series, and the Fort Frances Lakers are still leading 2-1 after last night’s… Read more: Lakers drop first away game in playoff run against Kam River, return to the ice for game four tonight
The Fort Frances Lakers will head into Kam River’s barn tonight for their third game in a best-of-seven semifinal series after taking the first two with tough-fought 2-1 and 5-4 victories at home. The Lakers are likely facing another close battle against the Fighting Walleye tonight and Wednesday after two… Read more: Lakers head to Kam River tonight after winning first two semifinal games
The case of former Rainy River District School Board principal Shane Beckett, who has been charged with two counts of child luring, has been set over until June 25 as lawyers for both sides prepare. Beckett’s case was called before the Justice of the Peace’s Case Management Court Thursday morning… Read more: Case of principal accused of child luring adjourned until June
Last week, 12 members of Naicatchewenin (Northwest Bay) First Nation (NFN) took part in ice rescue training, which will enable them to help out community members who find themselves in trouble. Bob Morrison is the Community Emergency Management Coordinator, Deputy Fire Chief and First Response Team Coordinator for the First… Read more: Area First Nation taking responsibility for community safety with ice rescue training
The Fort Frances Kiwanis Club is set for its 12th annual Easter Eggstravaganza on Saturday, April 4 on Scott Street. Diane Maxey, a Kiwanis Club member and one of the organizers for the Easter-themed event, recalled the first ever Eggstravaganza, which took place Ink Spotz Apparel as the weather took… Read more: Saturday’s Easter Eggstravaganza promises to be a treat for everyone
Local playwright Robin Taylor Wright has been hosting play readings in Fort Frances and around Canada for the last couple of years, and now, over the next few months, one of his shows will take to the stage in the United Kingdom. Wright is producing his works under the banner… Read more: Local playwright taking show across the pond
The penultimate show in the Tour De Fort 2025-26 concert series takes to the Townshend Theatre stage next week as a trio of young women bring their siren song to Fort Frances. Jessica Pearson is the trio’s lead singer and plays guitar, and said the band’s music trends towards classic… Read more: Jessica Pearson and the East Wind blowing into Fort Frances
What started as a conversation between parents has led to a large volleyball club with teams across multiple age groups. The Cobra Kings and Queens Volleyball Club has been giving young indigenous volleyball players the opportunity to show that they can compete with the best players from all over the… Read more: Volleyball club with local roots giving Indigenous players an opportunity to show their skills
With a weekend sweep of the Ironwood Lumberjacks, the Fort Frances Lakers clinched the first overall spot going into the SIJHL playoffs and earned a bye through the first round. Friday night’s performance was lackluster by head coach Luke Judson’s standards. Despite the 3-2 win, he knew the team could… Read more: Lakers top SIJHL season standings, earn playoff bye
After weather derailed the playoff tournament schedule, it would take the Muskies an additional three days to retain the hockey title they captured a year ago. The Muskie boys were in tough in their semi-final match against the St. Thomas Aquinas Saints out of Kenora when they finally had their… Read more: Muskie boys repeat as NorWOSSA champions
A repeat performance wasn’t in the cards for the Muskie Girls as they wrapped up their season with a 5-1 loss to the St. Thomas Aquinas Saints in the NorWOSSA hockey finals. After a dominating 16-0 win over the Beaver Brae Broncos on Friday, Saturday just didn’t go their way.… Read more: Muskie girls fall to St. Thomas Aquinas Saints in NorWOSSA finals
On Tuesday March 10, Fort Frances Canadian Tire owner John Malgo and his wife Marinela handed off a cheque for $20,000 to support Riverside Health Care’s Lights, Camera, Diagnosis! fundraising campaign. Malgo, who has owned the Fort Frances store for 11 years, said he really believes in the cause, which… Read more: Canadian Tire Fort Frances donates $20k to hospital campaign
Fort Frances Canadian Tire re-opened Monday about two and a half months after the closed following a break in and arson at the King’s Highway store. Following a cheque presentation to Riverside Health Care’s Lights, Camera, Diagnosis campaign, owner John Malgo discussed the complicated issues surrounding the restoration process. “It’s… Read more: Canadian Tire re-opens after arduous restoration process
The Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre (FFPLTC) launched a community survey to learn more about what its patrons are looking for. With the survey having launched last Friday, Feb. 27, FFPLTC CEO Nadine Cousineau says it’s been a while since the library has sought direction from the community. “We… Read more: FFPLTC looking for input
The Fort Frances High School Muskie hockey teams will head to the NORWOSSA playoffs tomorrow in Sioux Lookout with hopes of qualifying for the A/AA Ontario high school hockey championships. The Muskie girls finished top of the NORWOSSA standings and will play the Beaver Brae Broncos, while the Muskie boys… Read more: Muskies’ road to OFSAA hockey goes through Sioux Lookout
A troupe of young performers with Row i Theatre has been rehearsing since January to bring Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids to the stage at Knox United Church this weekend. Producer and Row i Theatre owner Trevor Barker says it’s been interesting to watch the cast learn and bring the… Read more: “Forget about your worries and your strife” as you watch the Jungle Book Kids this week
After six managers in six years, the Town of Fort Frances is looking to add some stability to the recreation department by bringing in a long-time manager to give guidance to the Recreation and Culture department. Craig Miller has been the Environmental Superintendent for the Town of Fort Frances since… Read more: Miller steps in following Rec and Culture Manager’s departure
The Fort Frances Lakers showed they reside at the top of the SIJHL standings for a reason Tuesday night against the team in the league’s second place spot. The game at the Memorial Sports Centre got off to a slow start with a lot of back and forth between the… Read more: Lakers drop Ice Dogs 4-1 to cement top spot in standings
Shane Beckett, 53, a prominent local citizen and elementary school principal, was arrested on Tuesday and charged Wednesday with two counts of child luring. In information provided to The Times by the court, the allegations are that Beckett “between the 9th day of February in the year 2026 and the… Read more: Local elementary school principal arrested, charged with child luring
On Wednesday, Feb. 10, the Town of Fort Frances published a letter that indicated the town’s taxpayers would not foot the bill for the Town’s drawn out legal dispute over the east end area known as Point Park. While MPP Greg Rickford and MP Marcus Powlowski were able to lobby… Read more: Mayor clarifies source of legal funding
A shutout on Sunday night and a tight contest on Family Day Monday saw the Fort Frances Lakers take four points over the weekend to remain atop the SIJHL standings. Sunday’s game was a 7-0 blowout, which despite the score, was no small achievement. Each of the Lakers’ seven goals… Read more: Lakers celebrate Family Day with a sweep of the Bombers
The Town of Fort Frances will not need to pay the legal costs to the province and federal governments following lobbying efforts on their behalf. Early Wednesday evening the Town of Fort Frances published a letter, attributed to Mayor Andrew Hallikas and CAO Marcel Michaels, announcing that the region’s federal… Read more: Local representatives lobby governments to lighten legal fees
The Lakers have partnered with Rusty Myers Fly-In Outposts and other local fishing and tourism businesses to use the weekend to celebrate lake life in the Fort Frances region. With the announcement from the province noting that the Family Day weekend is a free fishing weekend, and with temperatures creeping… Read more: To the Lake-ers game! Lakers hosting fishing themed promos for Family Day weekend
The opening ceremonies are imminent, competition has already begun, and thus the 2026 Olympics are underway. Canada’s drive to own the Olympic podium began yesterday with the first games of mixed doubles curling. Canada emerged victorious over Czechia 10-5, adding a second win over Norway this morning 6-3 and will… Read more: Competion started, Olympic cauldron to be lit Friday night
While they weren’t on the schedule at the start of the season, Tour de Fort attendees will be treated to a fiery performance next week when The McDades take to the stage in place of originally scheduled The Hello Darlins. The McDades are a Juno award-winning celtic-rooted band with Alberta… Read more: The McDades to play in place of The Hello Darlins next Wednesday
Last week the Ministry of the Attorney General announced that four new judges have been appointed to the Ontario Court of Justice to serve across Ontario, including one in Ontario’s northwest. Justice Archana Arun Medhkar comes to Northern Ontario from India by way of a long career in Toronto, according… Read more: Despite addition of judicial resources, law association concerned about other supports
Canadian rock, reggae, and blues outfit Big Sugar will open the 2026 portion of the Tour De Fort concert series at the Townshend Theatre next Wednesday night. Active off and on since 1988, the band is currently the re-release of their 1996 platinum selling album Hemi-Vision and will play through… Read more: Big Sugar to rock Townshend Theatre next week
They were made in 1966 when Glen Jackson opened his garage in Barwick. The bright orange sweaters were the talk of the Curl Fort Frances Community Centre last weekend during the Ice Box Days Bon Spiel. Tom Jackson is custodian of the sweaters and his team wore them for the… Read more: Vintage sweaters make appearance at Ice Box Bonspiel
The Fort Frances Lakers shook off the holiday rust to tackle a two-game sweep of the Thunder Bay North Stars last weekend. On Friday night, January 9, 2026, the Lakers looked rusty out of the gate and both teams struggled until captain Pierce Gouin broke the stalemate late in the… Read more: Lakers sweep North Stars to take top spot in SIJHL standings
On Friday Dec. 19, 2025, at its annual Christmas breakfast for office staff, chief and council of Rainy River First Nations, as well as the family of Gary Medicine, honoured OPP constable Aaron Green who successfully used his OPP issued drone to help find Medicine when he was lost on… Read more: Rainy River First Nations honours OPP officer who helped find lost community member
Since not everyone has family or friends close at hand during the holiday season, a local organization is hosting a pair of events meant to bring people together. On Dec. 29 and 30 the Canadian Mental Health Association’s (CMHA) Fort Frances Branch will host A Celebration of the Winter Season… Read more: CMHA bringing people together over the holidays
The annual Community Christmas Dinner sponsored by Flint House and the Cridland family will take place once again this year, bringing together volunteers across the community to give everyone a free holiday meal. Stacey and Christine Cridland and their family are busy preparing to serve over 500 meals to members… Read more: Volunteer hours and love go into making Community Christmas Dinner special
It was teddy bear toss night at the Fort Frances High School Muskie boys exhibition game and the bears were certainly tossed. The Muskies toppled the rebuilding Lake of the Woods Bears 9-0. Drake Bodnar was credited with the Muskies first goal after the puck took a bounce in the… Read more: Muskie boys beat Bears in exhibition play
As of the first of 2026, Circular Materials will assume management of recycling pick up in the Town of Fort Frances while GFL remains the local contractor. Circular Materials is a national not-for-profit organization which has been created by companies which produce a significant portion of recyclable refuse. Founding partners… Read more: Circular Materials to take over Fort Frances recycling as of January 1
This week, Flint House, a restaurant which has become known as one of the best in Fort Frances, celebrates its 10th anniversary. Originally purchased by the late Duane Cridland, his family is keeping the legacy alive. Thinking back 10 years, Stacey Cridland, who manages the restaurant now, and her sister… Read more: Flint House celebrating 10 years of serving food and the community
In an effort to give the First Nation’s children something to do after school, as well as give them some incentive to go to school every day, Naicatchewenin First Nation opened the The Sagaankwat Youth Centre on Wednesday Nov. 26, 2025. The centre is named for a young boy who… Read more: Naicatchewenin First Nation opens youth centre
Two forwards, a defender, and a goaltender from the Fort Frances Lakers will make their way to Thunder Bay in the new year to compete with other SIJHL all-stars against the Lakehead University Thunderwolves. Lakers forward and captain Pierce Gouin, forward and Fort Frances native Teagan Wrolstad, defenseman Judd Pesch,… Read more: Four Lakers selected to SIJHL all-star showcase in Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP Marcus Powlowski says he thinks the country is in good shape following the passage of the federal government’s budget last week. In order for the budget to pass, Prime Minister Mark Carney, Powlowski and the ruling Liberal party required an assist from the Green Party and… Read more: Powlowski optimistic about federal budget’s prospects for region
Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP Marcus Powlowski will be maintaining his office in the western part of his riding after all. There was speculation that Powlowski would have to close the office after he was unable to find a part-time staffer, but someone will be stepping into the role and the… Read more: Powlowski’s constituency office to remain open in Fort Frances
Two Canadian country crooners have paired up to bring festive cheer across Canada, including a stop in Fort Frances. George Canyon and Aaron Pritchett are stopping for a show at the Townshend Theatre on Dec. 2 and are bringing along some country flavoured Yuletide tunes, along with a few of… Read more: Cowboy Country Christmas show to hit Fort Frances
After working for years to get it up and running, the Emo Seniors’ Centre is officially open. The centre held a dinner and ribbon cutting last Thursday, November 13, 2025, to mark the special occasion, and board member Cindy Judson started the evening off by addressing the gathered group to… Read more: Emo Seniors’ Centre celebrates grand opening
The Fort Frances Lakers have won three games in a row since last Tuesday, including a pair against the Red Lake Miners on Friday and Saturday, and tonight they’re looking to take a bite out of the Dryden Ice Dogs’ lead atop the SIJHL standings. Following a 2-1 win over… Read more: Lakers win three out of three, tougher test against Dryden tonight
On Friday, Oct. 31, Municipal Clerk Chelsea Greig and Communications Coordinator and Deputy Clerk Ally Lewis conducted four marriage ceremonies in a clearing on the Eighth St. Trails in Fort Frances. This is the second elopement day the two Town of Fort Frances clerks have conducted this year, amounting to… Read more: Town clerks conduct Halloween elopement spree
On Saturday, November 8, 2025, Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung Historical Centre, also known as Manitou Mounds, will unveil “To Serve and Protect: Indigenous Voices of Valour,” an exhibit that showcases the stories of indigenous veterans. Jessie Richard is the Archivist and Grant Manager at Manitou Mounds who has worked on the exhibit. “The… Read more: Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung to open Indigenous veterans exhibit ahead of Remembrance Day
After an 8-5 loss on Halloween in Dryden, the Fort Frances Lakers beat the Kam River Walleye 6-3 in a rare Sunday evening contest. Kam River jumped out to a lead about five minutes into the first period and the Lakers struggled going 0-3 on powerplay before Judd Pesch got… Read more: Lakers bounce back after tough loss in Dryden
If you didn’t get a Tour De Fort Passport and are hoping to hear some live music right here at home, you have a chance coming soon. Canadian blues musician Jesse Roper is making a special appearance on the Townshend Theatre stage next Tuesday, November 4, 2025, as an extra… Read more: Jesse Roper brings the blues to Fort Frances next week
After spending a long time away from family living in Toronto, Jessica Shute and Jol Smith moved back to the Fort Frances area. One of the big things they missed was specialty coffee and something they saw a market for was high quality men’s and short hair grooming, so they… Read more: Something new in Fort Frances: Turtle Island Café and Barber Shop
Singer-songwriter Melissa Payne will play for the sold-out Tour De Fort Audience on Saturday, but for those who don’t have a passport, you can get a taste of Payne’s music at Boston Pizza on Friday night. Payne, who hails from Ennismore, Ont., near Peterborough, got into music as a child… Read more: Melissa Payne to play twice in Fort Frances
A local children’s entertainment series is holding a fundraiser in an effort to make its shows free to all this year. Committee member Nadine Cousineau says that Kids & Company’s goal is to expose local children to the arts. “So Kids & Company’s goal is to foster an appreciation of… Read more: Kids & Co Fort Frances holding fundraiser for free shows
A new face has joined the Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre (FFPLTC) helping to fill a void and bring new programming and fun for younger library patrons. Alina Eldridge has joined the FFPLTC to take responsibility for the children’s section and activities oriented towards young people at the library.… Read more: Fort Frances Library welcomes new Children and Youth Services Coordinator
The Fort Frances Lakers stayed in the win column Friday night after beating the Thunder Bay North Stars 7-1, but their win streak came to an end last night. Gunnar Simon put the Lakers on the board in the first period when a Gavin Mowat point shot made it to… Read more: Lakers maintain winning ways Friday, but streak ends with Tuesday night shootout
At the Sept. 22, 2025 meeting of Fort Frances Town Council, councillors enacted a by-law appointing Wayne Riches as the interim chief of Fort Frances Fire and Rescue. Originally from southern Ontario, Riches moved to the Fort Frances area in late 90s to work with the Ministry of Natural Resources… Read more: Riches optimistic about future of Fort Frances Fire and Rescue as he takes over
The Fort Frances Lakers improved their record to 4-0 over the course of the weekend, leading to an announcement on Monday that they’d cracked the Canadian Junior Hockey League ranking’s Top 20 for the first time since 2016. Friday night saw the Lakers once again matched up against the league-worst… Read more: Lakers improve to 4-0 to start the season, top 10 in CJHL
Cory Larocque and John Desaulniers held off all competitors last weekend to emerge as the champions of the 2025 Rainy River Walleye Tournament. Larocque and Desaulniers weighed in at top spot on day one with 12.47 lbs., and after an up and down day two they landed 6.85 lbs to… Read more: Cory Larocque and John Desaulniers take Rainy River Walleye Tournament
Last Friday saw the Fort Frances High School Muskies win the 76th Homecoming football game with a 61-21 victory over the Beaver Brae Broncos out of Kenora. The Homecoming win on Friday, September 19, 2025, marks three straight at home victories to start the Muskie football season. The black and… Read more: Muskies overcome tackling struggles to beat Broncos
In an effort to help those in need, the Rainy River Soil and Crop Improvement Association chose a special project to work on and elected to grow a crop and donate the proceeds to a Canadian charity which strives to end world hunger. Dave Schraa is the president of the… Read more: Soil and Crop Association donates proceeds from field to Canadian Foodgrains Bank
Residents and business owners on Scott Street’s 200 block had water and heavy machinery on their doorsteps this morning as a water main break under the street had water running out of the road near the Salvation Army Thrift Store. Manager of Operations and Facilities for the Town of Fort… Read more: Messy morning on Scott Street
A rainy morning may have threatened the first ever Burger Wars Street Festival, but the once the rain dried up, a warm afternoon turned into a busy evening on Scott Street. Owner of Talk On The Street Eatery and Burger Wars organizing committee member Cathy Handberg says when she saw… Read more: Local burgers win prizes at first ever Burger Wars
Members of the local community and members of the four Agency One First Nations Couchiching, Mitaanjigamiing, Naicatchewenin, and Nigigoonsiminikaaning gathered at Point Park this week on land recently affirmed by the courts to fall under their jurisdiction. Agency One First Nations Lands Limited Partnership CEO Angela Mose described the day,… Read more: Future on the minds of Agency One First Nations following court decision
As parents and students were notified at the end of the 2024-25 school year, the new Rainy River K-12 school will not be ready for students to begin next week when school resumes. Heather Campbell, the Director of Education for the Rainy River District School Board, says the delays in… Read more: Students in Rainy River to start year at old schools
Tour De Fort’s passports have almost sold out for the 2025-206 season in anticipation of their big season opener, Canadian legends Crash Test Dummies. Originally from Winnipeg, the band took off in the early 90s with the success of their 1991 single “Superman’s Song,” featuring the distinctive vocals of lead… Read more: Crash Test Dummies to launch almost sold out Tour De Fort season
The whole best two out of three series was tight and it came down to a walk off in the seventh inning of game three for Sight & Sound. A lead-off home run from shortstop Cole Tymkin put the Wolves out in front early at the ball field in Couchiching… Read more: Sight & Sound Wolves top Frequency Hearing Eagles in thriller to win fastball crown
Last week, Baseball Manitoba held clinics in Fort Frances and Emo in hopes of forming a foundation for future programs in the region. Roger Langlais is a former Rainy River District resident and is now the president of Baseball Manitoba. Langlais says he can remember growing up playing baseball in… Read more: Baseball MB looking to make inroads in Rainy River District
On Saturday morning of the 125th annual Rainy River Valley Agricultural Fall Fair, board president Sheri Hay formally announced that Alexis Latter had won the Fair’s first ever Fair Ambassador competition. Latter is a student heading into Grade 12 at Fort Frances High School. She says she found out she… Read more: Latter named inaugural Fair Ambassador
The Town of Fort Frances has a new set of Hall of Famers. After the evening was kicked off with an Honour Song by the Rainy Lake Drum and the singing of the National Anthem by Cassandra Armstrong, Fort Frances Mayor Andrew Hallikas greeted those in attendance at the fifth… Read more: Sports Hall inductees thank family, mentors
At 12:58 a.m. today, the Air Canada Component of the Canadian Union for Public Employees announced that flight attendants intend to walk off the job this weekend. In response, at 1:30 a.m. Air Canada issued a lockout notice. In a union press release, the bargaining unit’s president Wesley Lesosky says… Read more: Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flight attendants to strike this weekend
The last full week of July saw local hockey standout Annalise ‘C.C.’ Hayes host the first ever CH27 Hockey Camp at the Memorial Sports Complex, an event that saw the accomplished player help local athletes develop crucial skills for the game. Hayes, a well-known player from her time with the… Read more: First ever CH27 Hockey Camp a success
Fort Frances Swifties get ready, your time is now. Taylor’s Story–A Live Concert Experience will take place tonight at the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship tent. The show will be a tribute featuring a live band and a Taylor Swift impersonator. Embodying the pop legend whose Eras Tour swept the… Read more: A tribute to Taylor Swift to fill the big tent with big music
Yesterday, Wednesday July 2, Fort Frances Mayor Andrew Hallikas and Mayor Drake Dill of International Falls came together to sign a declaration of friendship between the two municipalities. Following the ceremony Halikas noted that in conversation both mayors acknowledged that citizens of both towns were wary about crossing the border,… Read more: Fort Frances, International Falls mayors recognize close ties with formal proclamation
Ally Lewis joined the Town of Fort Frances as Communications Coordinator and Deputy Clerk in the spring and is learning the ropes of working for municipal government. Lewis comes to Fort Frances from the Kitchener-Waterloo (K-W) region, where she most recently worked in Elmira after growing up in Georgetown, closer… Read more: New Communications Coordinator at Civic Centre hoping to help shape community
The Township of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls launched its expanded Red Pine mountain bike and hiking trails on Friday with a community barbecue and cake to celebrate. The trail expansion comes as the result of a financial partnership between the town and the federal and provincial governments. Both the Federal Economic… Read more: Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls inaugurates mountain bike trail expansion
On May 21, girls from Robert Moore and J.W. Walker schools gathered at the Fort Frances sports fields to take part in a fun-filled day of baseball. Rebecca Tolen is the Youth Outreach Worker at Robert Moore School and helped run the program. “J.W. Walker and Robert Moore were both… Read more: Local elementary girls take a swing at baseball thanks to Blue Jays program
Annalise “CC” Hayes is well known in the Fort Frances area, the former Muskie Girls captain who saw the team to multiple OFSAA appearances and medals and has now won a championship overseas and is bringing her hockey knowledge home to the Fort Frances area for a week of hockey… Read more: Local hockey standout hosting hockey camp this summer
On Thursday, May 22, 2025, a number of community members gathered to speak out against the abuse of women and children as part of the Moose Hide Campaign. “The Moose Hide Campaign began as a BC-born Indigenous-led grassroots movement to engage men and boys in ending violence towards women and… Read more: Moose hide campaign seeks to end violence against women and children
