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.
Following the cancellation and subsequent death of Sass Jordan, Tour de Fort announced yesterday that the hole left in its lineup for this season will be filled by Canadian rocker Jeff Martin, lead singer of The Tea Party. Martin is preparing to embark on a cross-Canada tour which will take… Read more: Jeff Martin of The Tea Party to fill spot in Tour de Fort Lineup
The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards ceremony Wednesday evening at Lowey’s Greenhouse, honouring the top businesses and organizations around the Rainy River District. Two of the big winners were Riverside Health Care Facilities and RPM Powersports, which took home Business of the Year (16+ employees) and… Read more: Chamber of Commerce Businesses Awards celebrate district’s top businesses
Riverside Health Care’s October 50-50 draw has surged above the $30,000 mark over the last few days, marking the largest 50-50 jackpot since the monthly draws began as part of the Lights, Camera, DIAGNOSIS! campaign. The last chance to get tickets for the healthcare provider’s monthly draw is today before… Read more: Riverside 50-50 jackpot hits a record at $30k and still climbing
With polls closed and the votes counted, the Fort Frances municipal election came to an end last night, much to the relief of Municipal Clerk Chelsea Greig. This was Greig’s first election as clerk, and she said it was a long process. “It’s a one-year process, so there are things,… Read more: 2026 municipal election complete as Fort Frances prepares for council transition
Robin Taylor Wright’s Laughing Cactus Productions is staging one of the local playwright’s works right here in Fort Frances. The show was previously the subject of a dramatic reading hosted by Wright in the summer of 2025. “It’s set in a group home in a fictional southern Ontario town, not… Read more: Robin Taylor Wright’s Home for Boys to be staged at Knox United in Fort Frances
Carter Peters notched a Gordie Howe hat trick and Domenik McInenly stood tall, stopping 28 of 30 shots as the Lakers beat the Walleye 6-4 Tuesday night. Ice For Kids Arena was abuzz with young hockey players in the stands as the Fort Frances Lakers hosted minor hockey night sponsored… Read more: Lakers top Walleye to tie for second in SIJHL
Led by a standout performance from Grade 10 runner Gage Kellar, the Muskie cross-country team is sending a team of 10 to the provincial championships in Sudbury on Nov. 9. Kellar finished top in his age group, running 5 km in 18:40 with the second-place finisher just five seconds behind.… Read more: Muskie cross-country runners headed to Sudbury for OFSAA in November
Once upon a midnight dreary, while she pondered weak and weary, Fort Frances Museum Program and Events Coordinator Catrina Caira came up with a gruesome idea for a hauntingly good time—an ol’-timely 1920s-themed “ghost social,” but with a modern twist: music, dancing and cocktails. With apologies to Edgar Allan Poe,… Read more: Spooky celebration this Saturday night aims to resurrect the 1920s-style ghost social
Yesterday, the Ontario government announced that Northwestern Ontario would adopt permanent daylight time (by the way, daylight savings time is not a thing—it’s saving, singular), which means we will not “fall back” on Nov. 1. It’s also caused a wee bit of confusion. Some self-appointed timekeepers have pegged Christmas sunrise… Read more: Permanent daylight time = temporary confusion? What the decision to nix falling back means for you
On Thursday, Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford was on hand to announce nearly $300,000 in funding for projects across the Rainy River District. The Borderland Racing Association is receiving over $100,000 for improvements to the Emo Speedway. Upcoming improvements to the speedway include washroom renovations, modernization of canteen equipment, purchase… Read more: MPP Rickford announces funding for Emo Speedway, Rainy River Legion
After a series of meetings, local polls and formal declarations, MPP for Kenora-Rainy River Greg Rickford says that northwestern Ontario will not revert to standard time this fall. In a press release issued Tuesday morning, Rickford announced the change, which will align the region with the province of Manitoba. “Minister… Read more: Unprecedented unanimity means NWO will stay on daylight time starting Nov. 1
The Fort Frances Lakers Junior A hockey team has unveiled a list of promotional events they’ll be holding over the course of their games before Christmas. The promo schedule begins with the next game on Friday, Oct. 9, when Hallett Brewing will be on hand, taking over the beer garden… Read more: Lakers announce promotional schedule for first half of season
Former CAO aims to improve council-administration relations while prioritizing core services Before Doug Brown was chief administrative officer (CAO) for the Town of Fort Frances, he was the town’s Manager of Operations and Facilities for 13 years. Brown hopes his administrative experience with the town will make him an asset… Read more: Candidate profile: Doug Brown for councillor
A brand-new store has opened on Scott Street, bringing curated home decor and other items to the former For Your Pets location on the town’s main strip. Kasey Meyers is the proprietor of Meyers Mercantile. Originally from Rainy River, she and her husband, Devin, wanted to bring something special to… Read more: Meyers Mercantile brightening up Scott Street with fresh home decor
Building a foundation for housing, industry and stronger social supports Kaleb Firth moved to the Rainy River District as a child in 1996 when his father took a job at the Barwick OSB plant. Firth is running for council as an incumbent, having joined council following the resignation of David… Read more: Candidate profile: Kaleb Firth for councillor
Building infrastructure to attract new industry ‘with a sense of urgency’ is key Mike Behan arrived in Fort Frances in 1987 to take up a position as a sports reporter for The Fort Frances Times. Three years later, he would become the paper’s editor and 29 years after that, he… Read more: Candidate profile: Mike Behan
Over the last few years, several southern Treaty #3 First Nations have received flood claim settlements dating back to the damming of Rainy River, which raised water levels on Rainy Lake, covering First Nations’ lands in water. These settlements, agreed to by the governments of Canada and Ontario, are just… Read more: Reconciliation is a process, not a destination: Treaty #3 Deputy Grand Chief
Following a special meeting of Fort Frances Town Council, the town passed a resolution to permanently adopt central daylight time (CDT) if the measure gains approval, in line with the province of Manitoba. A special meeting of council was called to examine the proposed resolution, which reads as follows: “That… Read more: Northwestern communities essentially unanimous on sticking with daylight saving time
Following the cancellation of September’s Sass Jordan concert due to health concerns, Tour de Fort will kick off the 2026-27 season on Oct. 5 with folk roots band Maggie’s Wake. The Times spoke to fiddle player Lindsay Schindler, who discussed the band’s origin. “Maggie’s Wake began in about 2022; it… Read more: Maggie’s Wake to launch Tour de Fort season next week
The Fort Frances Lakers now have a record of 2-2 so far this season after two sky-high-scoring wins against the Ironwood Lumberjacks this past weekend. The Lakers toppled the Lumberjacks 16-0 on Friday night and 20-0 on Saturday. Lakers Head Coach and GM Luke Judson said games like that can… Read more: Lakers record even after spectacular blowout wins over shorthanded Lumberjacks
The Fort Frances Lakers are back in action, but it will take some work if the team wants to get back up to the same level that saw them reach game seven of the finals last year. The Lakers fell 5-1 on Friday and 7-5 on Saturday to a Thunder… Read more: Lakers struggle in opening weekend series loss to North Stars
On Sept. 17 the Province of Manitoba announced that it would be permanently adhering to Daylight Saving Time, prompting Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford to gather municipal and First Nations leaders across the region for a meeting. In a statement issued across his social media pages, Rickford said he understands… Read more: Clock ticking on time change in northwestern Ontario
Polling for the October 26 municipal election in Fort Frances will use similar technology to previous years, with polls being open for about nine days. Municipal Clerk for the Town of Fort Frances Chelsea Greig said that residents will have lots of time to vote. “Online voting will start on… Read more: Fort Frances vote to be conducted online, via telephone, assistance to be available
When the Fort Frances Lakers hit the ice on Friday night at Ice For Kids Arena for their season opener, the roster will have a few distinct differences with new faces added and old faces missing. One of the most notable absences fans will notice is SIJHL MVP, Goaltender of… Read more: Lakers make last minute additions to roster ahead of season opener
This weekend will see Fort Frances host its first ever ribfest at the Sorting Gap Marina, running from Friday, Sept. 18, to Sunday, Sept. 20, and featuring barbecue and entertainment all weekend. Opening Friday morning at 11 a.m. Ribs on the Rainy will showcase three different rib options and each… Read more: Ribs on the Rainy goes this weekend
After four years in the finals against the Sight & Sound Wolves out of Fort Frances, the Stratton Eagles finally broke through last night with a 9-6 victory to clinch the final. Delayed due to team injuries and weather, the final was pushed late and shifted to the lighted Couchiching… Read more: Frequency Hearing Stratton Eagles win two on the road to take fastball championship
Former MPP Howard Hampton has endorsed longtime friend Brent Calder in his run for the mayor’s seat this coming October. Hampton, who was born in Fort Frances, said during a visit to the region last week that Calder gets his endorsement for a few reasons. “One, some people are ‘me’… Read more: Hampton gives Calder ringing endorsement in bid for mayor
As municipal election campaigns get into full swing with candidates finalized for both mayor and council, the Town of Fort Frances has allowed candidates to place their signs in certain publicly owned areas of the community. While residents may recall that in prior years no signs were allowed on town-owned… Read more: Election sign bylaw amended last spring to allow signs on municipal property
T. Patrick Reid, who represented Rainy River in the Ontario Legislature for 17 years, was in Fort Frances last week and took the time to donate a copy of his autobiography Lucky All My Life: The Man from Rainy River to the Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre (FFPLTC). Reid’s… Read more: Lucky all his life: Former MPP donates autobiography to Fort Frances Public Library
Canadian pop music veteran Sass Jordan has cancelled her planned appearance as the opening act for this year’s Tour de Fort concert series due to health concerns. Concert organizers announced the cancellation of Jordan’s scheduled Sept. 16 performance in a press release Tuesday morning. Jordan’s team said in a statement… Read more: Tour de Fort concert season opener with Sass Jordan cancelled due to illness
She had a full career with the Royal Bank of Canada before retiring as branch manager after 40 years. Then she worked at Causeway Insurance for two years before retiring again. Then she took on the mantle of executive director of the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce, giving guidance to… Read more: Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Heather Johnson is retiring… again
On Monday, Kathy Lampi and her crew from Backpacks for Kids Fort Frances handed off over 400 backpacks to children in the Rainy River District just in time for them to take to school next week. The organizers received donations through cash and physical backpacks starting at the beginning of… Read more: 400 backpacks donated for kids in need
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford was in the Rainy River District last Friday announcing funding for a variety of projects that will make community facilities more accessible for people with disabilities. In Alberton, Millennium Park will receive enhancements to allow people to safely access the lower portion of the park… Read more: Alberton, Emo receive NOHFC funding to improve accessibility at municipal facilities
And more photos from the 2026 Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society Fall Fair Kali Tessier has been chosen as the Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society’s Fair Ambassador for 2026-2027, succeeding Alexis Latter, the first young person to hold the title since it replaced the now-retired honour of Fair Queen. For… Read more: Devlin’s Kali Tessier becomes second-ever RRVAS Fair Ambassador
The Curl Fort Frances Community Centre (CFFCC) has received over $150,000 in funding from the province to upgrade its bathrooms and make them more accessible. While the facility’s bathrooms are technically accessible already and the rink is also one of the few in the region with an elevator giving wheelchair… Read more: Curling rink receives provincial funding for accessibility upgrades
A pair of Couchiching cousins will make their debut with the Fort Frances Lakers this season, bringing front-line firepower they displayed last season as players for the International Falls High School Broncos. The addition of William and Anthony Yerxa was announced by the Junior A hockey team at a ceremony… Read more: Lakers continue to build for upcoming season with fiery Couchiching duo added to roster
One of the newest bands in the borderland will take to the stage at Rainy Lake Square next Wednesday, Aug. 19, with two of Fort Frances’ top vocalists leading the way, a talented bass player and a drummer who is a member of the Ontario Bar. Red Right Return features… Read more: Red Right Return next up in Summer Sounds in the Square series
Beekeepers have been managing hives and collecting honey across the Rainy River District for years, but many of those in operation now got their start from a single workshop conducted in 2017. Peggy Advent sells honey under the Stratton Honey Hut brand with retailers across the district, and Tyler Spry… Read more: District beekeepers raise happy, healthy bees that keep the local honey flowing
After a successful first year, the Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society (RRVAS) has brought back the Fair Ambassador program. It replaces the longstanding Fair Queen program, opening up the opportunity to compete for a $3,500 bursary to young people of any gender. Open to all residents of the Rainy River… Read more: The Fair Ambassador has taken over where the Fair Queen once reigned
The Fort Frances High School Muskies football team is gearing up for its 77th season, which will start with speed and strength training in mid-August. Training kicks off on Monday, Aug. 17, running until Friday, Aug. 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the high school and is mandatory for… Read more: Muskie Football 2026-27 program ramping up starting Aug. 17
If you’re a busy parent looking for something new for the kids to do this week, a special visitor will have plenty of opportunities to keep your young ones moving. Timmins Fitness Alternatives pop up playground is at the Memorial Sports Centre from Tuesday through to Thursday, bringing a variety… Read more: Indoor playground pops up at MSC
For 25 years, Thinking of Pinky has been entertaining Rainy River District Residents with their rocking musical stylings, from the Emo Fair to Rainy Lake Square. The foursome hit the square again tomorrow night for the latest instalment in the Summer Sounds in the Square series. The most common question… Read more: Thinking of Pinky: Rocking the Rainy River District for 25 years
Over the last couple of weeks, the Fort Frances Lakers have announced the return of three players from last year’s Bill Salonen Cup finals team, along with one new addition. On July 17, the team announced the return of defensive stalwart Zak Green. A Calgary native, Green scored 26 points… Read more: Lakers announce more returning players, newcomers
For years, they’ve been the house band backing performers in Quest for the Best champions in their pursuit of the title, playing one show a year. But more recently, the local legends who once walked the halls of the town’s schools have had more time to show up at different… Read more: Fort legends The Faculty ready to rock Summer Sounds in the Square
As wildfires continue to rage across Northwest Ontario, destroying homes and sending thick plumes of smoke across Ontario and as far as the Eastern Seaboard of the United States, the province is reaching out to the federal government for help, Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP Marcus Powlowski said Thursday morning. The… Read more: Province reaches out to feds for help in stricken areas as wildfires intensify
A loud round of applause filled the clubhouse at Kitchen Creek Golf Club on the afternoon of Saturday, July 11, as Holly Kaemingh, Riverside’s Director of Fundraising, announced that the health provider’s inaugural fundraiser golf tournament had helped the Lights, Camera, DIAGNOSIS! campaign across the finish line to its $1.67… Read more: Riverside Health’s Lights, Camera, DIAGNOSIS! campaign hits $1.6M goal
The Fort Frances Lakers have started announcing players who are expected to return in the 2026-27 season, looking to finish the job of bringing the Bill Salonen Cup back to Fort Frances. On Thursday, July 9, the Lakers announced the return of top point-getter Tie Schumacher, who led the team… Read more: Lakers start to build core for next season with key players set to return
The Town of Fort Frances issued a notice Tuesday morning restricting non-essential water use, including lawn watering, and said the splash pad in Legion Park has been closed for the time being. Town of Fort Frances’ Environmental Superintendent Ram Dokala said the restriction was put in place after a sharp… Read more: Town restricts non-essential water use due to low levels
Just over a year after its launch, Riverside Health Care has announced that the Lights, Camera, DIAGNOSIS! campaign has reached its goal to raise $ 1.67 million and bring the first-ever MRI machine to the Rainy River District. The milestone was announced during Riverside’s inaugural golf tournament at Kitchen Creek… Read more: Riverside Health’s Lights, Camera, DIAGNOSIS! campaign hits $1.6M goal
Wildfires raging across northwestern Ontario are affecting communities throughout the region. With eight known fires burning in Quetico Provincial Park, the Dawson Trail Campground and backcountry entry stations were closed, the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks said Tuesday on its website. “Public safety is our top priority,” the… Read more: Quetico fires close highway to Thunder Bay—no fire ban yet declared in Fort Frances
A call for proposals from potential canteen operators has gone out from the Town of Fort Frances, following the closure of The Penalty Box this past spring. Community Services and Facilities Manager Craig Miller said that things went well for the last tenant and they hope whoever comes in to… Read more: Town requests proposals for new arena canteen operator
PRAIRIELINE is a Manitoba-based band that fuses Métis fiddle music with the nostalgia of ‘90s country and the energy of new country music, and they’ll look to bring that experience to the big tent on Thursday, July 16, at the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship. Drummer Jonathan Peters, also known… Read more: Manitoba band PRAIRIELINE to bring country style to Thursday night at bass tournament
After almost folding when its founding members left, Thunder Bay’s The Honest Heart Collective is gearing up to put out its first new album in years and will be playing some of those shows when they hit the stage at Rainy Lake Square on July 8. Frontman Ryan MacDonald calls… Read more: The Honest Heart Collective bringing blue-collar rock back to Rainy Lake Square
The case of a former Fort Frances educator charged with child luring will be heard again in Fort Frances Court on Sept. 10 following a judicial pre-trial conference in August. Former Robert Moore Elementary School principal Shane Beckett’s case was called before the Justice of the Peace’s Case Management Court… Read more: Case of principal charged with child luring to return to court in September
The Town of Fort Frances has extended the window for parties to submit expressions of interest (EOI) in purchasing the Sunny Cove campground. The new deadline for expressions of interest, announced on Wednesday, is this coming Monday, June 22, 2026. In a Dec. 8, 2025, meeting, Town Council voted 4-3… Read more: Town extends expression of interest window for Sunny Cove Sale
The La Verendrye General Hospital (LVGH) Auxiliary presented a cheque for $100,000 to Holly Kaemingh, Riverside Health Care’s director of fundraising, at its annual general meeting on Monday, the largest single donation made to Riverside’s Lights, Camera, Diagnosis! campaign so far. The donation was the culmination of an ambitious goal… Read more: La Verendrye General Hospital Auxiliary makes largest local donation to Riverside Campaign
The bench staff that coached the Fort Frances Lakers to a regular season finish atop the division will return next season recharged and hungry to take a shot at winning it all. The Lakers announced on social media that Head Coach and General Manager Luke Judson will return to lead… Read more: Lakers coaching staff to return next season with a cup in their crosshairs
A special section of the Fort Frances Public Library Technology’s (FFPLTC) is getting a new coat of paint. Lindsey Hamilton is a local artist and art therapist who is bringing her talents on a large scale to the children’s department at the Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre thanks to… Read more: Local artist adding colour to library children’s department
For years, the Emo Walleye Classic and the Rainy River Walleye Tournament have offered a ‘River Kings’ award, but sponsor stipulations have meant that the award wasn’t presented very often; that changes with a new sponsorship from Frequency Hearing Centre. Jackie McCormick is an audiologist and the owner of Frequency… Read more: River Champs award to be awarded every year under sponsorship from Frequency Hearing Centre
After months of rehearsals during lunch and recess, the students of St. Mary School will be putting on their performance of Beauty and the Beast Jr. tonight. The cast and crew are made up of students from grades three to seven, with many older students taking lead roles. Parker Davis… Read more: Beauty and the Beast takes to the stage tonight at St. Mary
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
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 the night before, the Walleye drew… Read more: Lakers score late to take second straight game in semifinal
Ice For Kids Arena was abuzz with the sound of 800 hockey fans as the Fort Frances Lakers opened up the SIJHL semi-finals with an overtime win on Good Friday in Fort Frances. The game was a back-and-forth affair as the Lakers and the Kam River Walleye traded attempts on… Read more: Lakers take game one of Salonen Cup semifinals
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
Following the cancellation and subsequent death of Sass Jordan, Tour de Fort announced yesterday that the hole left in its lineup for this season will be filled by Canadian rocker Jeff Martin, lead singer of The Tea Party. Martin is preparing to embark on a cross-Canada tour which will take… Read more: Jeff Martin of The Tea Party to fill spot in Tour de Fort Lineup
The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards ceremony Wednesday evening at Lowey’s Greenhouse, honouring the top businesses and organizations around the Rainy River District. Two of the big winners were Riverside Health Care Facilities and RPM Powersports, which took home Business of the Year (16+ employees) and… Read more: Chamber of Commerce Businesses Awards celebrate district’s top businesses
Riverside Health Care’s October 50-50 draw has surged above the $30,000 mark over the last few days, marking the largest 50-50 jackpot since the monthly draws began as part of the Lights, Camera, DIAGNOSIS! campaign. The last chance to get tickets for the healthcare provider’s monthly draw is today before… Read more: Riverside 50-50 jackpot hits a record at $30k and still climbing
With polls closed and the votes counted, the Fort Frances municipal election came to an end last night, much to the relief of Municipal Clerk Chelsea Greig. This was Greig’s first election as clerk, and she said it was a long process. “It’s a one-year process, so there are things,… Read more: 2026 municipal election complete as Fort Frances prepares for council transition
Robin Taylor Wright’s Laughing Cactus Productions is staging one of the local playwright’s works right here in Fort Frances. The show was previously the subject of a dramatic reading hosted by Wright in the summer of 2025. “It’s set in a group home in a fictional southern Ontario town, not… Read more: Robin Taylor Wright’s Home for Boys to be staged at Knox United in Fort Frances
Carter Peters notched a Gordie Howe hat trick and Domenik McInenly stood tall, stopping 28 of 30 shots as the Lakers beat the Walleye 6-4 Tuesday night. Ice For Kids Arena was abuzz with young hockey players in the stands as the Fort Frances Lakers hosted minor hockey night sponsored… Read more: Lakers top Walleye to tie for second in SIJHL
Led by a standout performance from Grade 10 runner Gage Kellar, the Muskie cross-country team is sending a team of 10 to the provincial championships in Sudbury on Nov. 9. Kellar finished top in his age group, running 5 km in 18:40 with the second-place finisher just five seconds behind.… Read more: Muskie cross-country runners headed to Sudbury for OFSAA in November
Once upon a midnight dreary, while she pondered weak and weary, Fort Frances Museum Program and Events Coordinator Catrina Caira came up with a gruesome idea for a hauntingly good time—an ol’-timely 1920s-themed “ghost social,” but with a modern twist: music, dancing and cocktails. With apologies to Edgar Allan Poe,… Read more: Spooky celebration this Saturday night aims to resurrect the 1920s-style ghost social
When Mia Kelly tours Northwestern Ontario at the end of October, she’ll be bringing a blend of folk, rock, and blues that has seen her tour the world, taking her music as far away as Australia. Kelly said she got started in music as a child, growing up in Gatineau,… Read more: Singer-songwriter Mia Kelly bringing ‘big time rollercoaster feeling’ to Tour de Fort’s next show
Yesterday, the Ontario government announced that Northwestern Ontario would adopt permanent daylight time (by the way, daylight savings time is not a thing—it’s saving, singular), which means we will not “fall back” on Nov. 1. It’s also caused a wee bit of confusion. Some self-appointed timekeepers have pegged Christmas sunrise… Read more: Permanent daylight time = temporary confusion? What the decision to nix falling back means for you
On Thursday, Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford was on hand to announce nearly $300,000 in funding for projects across the Rainy River District. The Borderland Racing Association is receiving over $100,000 for improvements to the Emo Speedway. Upcoming improvements to the speedway include washroom renovations, modernization of canteen equipment, purchase… Read more: MPP Rickford announces funding for Emo Speedway, Rainy River Legion
After a series of meetings, local polls and formal declarations, MPP for Kenora-Rainy River Greg Rickford says that northwestern Ontario will not revert to standard time this fall. In a press release issued Tuesday morning, Rickford announced the change, which will align the region with the province of Manitoba. “Minister… Read more: Unprecedented unanimity means NWO will stay on daylight time starting Nov. 1
The Fort Frances Lakers Junior A hockey team has unveiled a list of promotional events they’ll be holding over the course of their games before Christmas. The promo schedule begins with the next game on Friday, Oct. 9, when Hallett Brewing will be on hand, taking over the beer garden… Read more: Lakers announce promotional schedule for first half of season
Former CAO aims to improve council-administration relations while prioritizing core services Before Doug Brown was chief administrative officer (CAO) for the Town of Fort Frances, he was the town’s Manager of Operations and Facilities for 13 years. Brown hopes his administrative experience with the town will make him an asset… Read more: Candidate profile: Doug Brown for councillor
A brand-new store has opened on Scott Street, bringing curated home decor and other items to the former For Your Pets location on the town’s main strip. Kasey Meyers is the proprietor of Meyers Mercantile. Originally from Rainy River, she and her husband, Devin, wanted to bring something special to… Read more: Meyers Mercantile brightening up Scott Street with fresh home decor
Building a foundation for housing, industry and stronger social supports Kaleb Firth moved to the Rainy River District as a child in 1996 when his father took a job at the Barwick OSB plant. Firth is running for council as an incumbent, having joined council following the resignation of David… Read more: Candidate profile: Kaleb Firth for councillor
Building infrastructure to attract new industry ‘with a sense of urgency’ is key Mike Behan arrived in Fort Frances in 1987 to take up a position as a sports reporter for The Fort Frances Times. Three years later, he would become the paper’s editor and 29 years after that, he… Read more: Candidate profile: Mike Behan
Over the last few years, several southern Treaty #3 First Nations have received flood claim settlements dating back to the damming of Rainy River, which raised water levels on Rainy Lake, covering First Nations’ lands in water. These settlements, agreed to by the governments of Canada and Ontario, are just… Read more: Reconciliation is a process, not a destination: Treaty #3 Deputy Grand Chief
Following a special meeting of Fort Frances Town Council, the town passed a resolution to permanently adopt central daylight time (CDT) if the measure gains approval, in line with the province of Manitoba. A special meeting of council was called to examine the proposed resolution, which reads as follows: “That… Read more: Northwestern communities essentially unanimous on sticking with daylight saving time
Following the cancellation of September’s Sass Jordan concert due to health concerns, Tour de Fort will kick off the 2026-27 season on Oct. 5 with folk roots band Maggie’s Wake. The Times spoke to fiddle player Lindsay Schindler, who discussed the band’s origin. “Maggie’s Wake began in about 2022; it… Read more: Maggie’s Wake to launch Tour de Fort season next week
Fort Frances Town Council will meet Friday afternoon to discuss the potential elimination of the biannual clock change for daylight time. According to an email from Fort Frances Clerk Chelsea Greig, no vote will take place at Friday’s meeting, but the foundation may be laid for such a vote in… Read more: Fall back or stay put? Council to hold special meeting Friday to discuss end of time change
The Fort Frances Lakers are back in action, but it will take some work if the team wants to get back up to the same level that saw them reach game seven of the finals last year. The Lakers fell 5-1 on Friday and 7-5 on Saturday to a Thunder… Read more: Lakers struggle in opening weekend series loss to North Stars
On Sept. 17 the Province of Manitoba announced that it would be permanently adhering to Daylight Saving Time, prompting Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford to gather municipal and First Nations leaders across the region for a meeting. In a statement issued across his social media pages, Rickford said he understands… Read more: Clock ticking on time change in northwestern Ontario
Polling for the October 26 municipal election in Fort Frances will use similar technology to previous years, with polls being open for about nine days. Municipal Clerk for the Town of Fort Frances Chelsea Greig said that residents will have lots of time to vote. “Online voting will start on… Read more: Fort Frances vote to be conducted online, via telephone, assistance to be available
When the Fort Frances Lakers hit the ice on Friday night at Ice For Kids Arena for their season opener, the roster will have a few distinct differences with new faces added and old faces missing. One of the most notable absences fans will notice is SIJHL MVP, Goaltender of… Read more: Lakers make last minute additions to roster ahead of season opener
This weekend will see Fort Frances host its first ever ribfest at the Sorting Gap Marina, running from Friday, Sept. 18, to Sunday, Sept. 20, and featuring barbecue and entertainment all weekend. Opening Friday morning at 11 a.m. Ribs on the Rainy will showcase three different rib options and each… Read more: Ribs on the Rainy goes this weekend
After four years in the finals against the Sight & Sound Wolves out of Fort Frances, the Stratton Eagles finally broke through last night with a 9-6 victory to clinch the final. Delayed due to team injuries and weather, the final was pushed late and shifted to the lighted Couchiching… Read more: Frequency Hearing Stratton Eagles win two on the road to take fastball championship
Lakers head coach and GM Luke Judson said he’s optimistic the team will come together and perform well once the Junior A hockey regular season gets started, after a preseason shootout loss at home to the Thunder Bay North Stars Saturday night. “It was a great opportunity for us to… Read more: Lakers in the thick of preparation for new season startup after a pair of preseason losses
Former MPP Howard Hampton has endorsed longtime friend Brent Calder in his run for the mayor’s seat this coming October. Hampton, who was born in Fort Frances, said during a visit to the region last week that Calder gets his endorsement for a few reasons. “One, some people are ‘me’… Read more: Hampton gives Calder ringing endorsement in bid for mayor
As municipal election campaigns get into full swing with candidates finalized for both mayor and council, the Town of Fort Frances has allowed candidates to place their signs in certain publicly owned areas of the community. While residents may recall that in prior years no signs were allowed on town-owned… Read more: Election sign bylaw amended last spring to allow signs on municipal property
T. Patrick Reid, who represented Rainy River in the Ontario Legislature for 17 years, was in Fort Frances last week and took the time to donate a copy of his autobiography Lucky All My Life: The Man from Rainy River to the Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre (FFPLTC). Reid’s… Read more: Lucky all his life: Former MPP donates autobiography to Fort Frances Public Library
Canadian pop music veteran Sass Jordan has cancelled her planned appearance as the opening act for this year’s Tour de Fort concert series due to health concerns. Concert organizers announced the cancellation of Jordan’s scheduled Sept. 16 performance in a press release Tuesday morning. Jordan’s team said in a statement… Read more: Tour de Fort concert season opener with Sass Jordan cancelled due to illness
She had a full career with the Royal Bank of Canada before retiring as branch manager after 40 years. Then she worked at Causeway Insurance for two years before retiring again. Then she took on the mantle of executive director of the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce, giving guidance to… Read more: Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Heather Johnson is retiring… again
On Monday, Kathy Lampi and her crew from Backpacks for Kids Fort Frances handed off over 400 backpacks to children in the Rainy River District just in time for them to take to school next week. The organizers received donations through cash and physical backpacks starting at the beginning of… Read more: 400 backpacks donated for kids in need
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford was in the Rainy River District last Friday announcing funding for a variety of projects that will make community facilities more accessible for people with disabilities. In Alberton, Millennium Park will receive enhancements to allow people to safely access the lower portion of the park… Read more: Alberton, Emo receive NOHFC funding to improve accessibility at municipal facilities
And more photos from the 2026 Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society Fall Fair Kali Tessier has been chosen as the Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society’s Fair Ambassador for 2026-2027, succeeding Alexis Latter, the first young person to hold the title since it replaced the now-retired honour of Fair Queen. For… Read more: Devlin’s Kali Tessier becomes second-ever RRVAS Fair Ambassador
The Curl Fort Frances Community Centre (CFFCC) has received over $150,000 in funding from the province to upgrade its bathrooms and make them more accessible. While the facility’s bathrooms are technically accessible already and the rink is also one of the few in the region with an elevator giving wheelchair… Read more: Curling rink receives provincial funding for accessibility upgrades
One of the newest bands in the borderland will take to the stage at Rainy Lake Square next Wednesday, Aug. 19, with two of Fort Frances’ top vocalists leading the way, a talented bass player and a drummer who is a member of the Ontario Bar. Red Right Return features… Read more: Red Right Return next up in Summer Sounds in the Square series
Beekeepers have been managing hives and collecting honey across the Rainy River District for years, but many of those in operation now got their start from a single workshop conducted in 2017. Peggy Advent sells honey under the Stratton Honey Hut brand with retailers across the district, and Tyler Spry… Read more: District beekeepers raise happy, healthy bees that keep the local honey flowing
After a successful first year, the Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society (RRVAS) has brought back the Fair Ambassador program. It replaces the longstanding Fair Queen program, opening up the opportunity to compete for a $3,500 bursary to young people of any gender. Open to all residents of the Rainy River… Read more: The Fair Ambassador has taken over where the Fair Queen once reigned
After tonight, there will be two more shows in the Summer Sounds in the Square series at Rainy Lake Square, and next week will feature a band that only does a couple of shows a season, given that one member doesn’t live in Canada full-time. Brent Newman lived in the… Read more: Rough Cut Pine returns to bring its signature sound to Rainy Lake Square next Wednesday
The Fort Frances High School Muskies football team is gearing up for its 77th season, which will start with speed and strength training in mid-August. Training kicks off on Monday, Aug. 17, running until Friday, Aug. 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the high school and is mandatory for… Read more: Muskie Football 2026-27 program ramping up starting Aug. 17
If you’re a busy parent looking for something new for the kids to do this week, a special visitor will have plenty of opportunities to keep your young ones moving. Timmins Fitness Alternatives pop up playground is at the Memorial Sports Centre from Tuesday through to Thursday, bringing a variety… Read more: Indoor playground pops up at MSC
For 25 years, Thinking of Pinky has been entertaining Rainy River District Residents with their rocking musical stylings, from the Emo Fair to Rainy Lake Square. The foursome hit the square again tomorrow night for the latest instalment in the Summer Sounds in the Square series. The most common question… Read more: Thinking of Pinky: Rocking the Rainy River District for 25 years
For years, they’ve been the house band backing performers in Quest for the Best champions in their pursuit of the title, playing one show a year. But more recently, the local legends who once walked the halls of the town’s schools have had more time to show up at different… Read more: Fort legends The Faculty ready to rock Summer Sounds in the Square
As wildfires continue to rage across Northwest Ontario, destroying homes and sending thick plumes of smoke across Ontario and as far as the Eastern Seaboard of the United States, the province is reaching out to the federal government for help, Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP Marcus Powlowski said Thursday morning. The… Read more: Province reaches out to feds for help in stricken areas as wildfires intensify
A loud round of applause filled the clubhouse at Kitchen Creek Golf Club on the afternoon of Saturday, July 11, as Holly Kaemingh, Riverside’s Director of Fundraising, announced that the health provider’s inaugural fundraiser golf tournament had helped the Lights, Camera, DIAGNOSIS! campaign across the finish line to its $1.67… Read more: Riverside Health’s Lights, Camera, DIAGNOSIS! campaign hits $1.6M goal
All of Northwestern Ontario has been designated a restricted fire zone by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), as a recent eruption of fires across the region has prompted evacuations, shut down highways and shrouded some areas in thick orange smoke. The MNR announced on Tuesday that the restrictions… Read more: New fires cause evacuations, highway havoc as Northwestern Ontario designated a restricted fire zone
The Town of Fort Frances issued a notice Tuesday morning restricting non-essential water use, including lawn watering, and said the splash pad in Legion Park has been closed for the time being. Town of Fort Frances’ Environmental Superintendent Ram Dokala said the restriction was put in place after a sharp… Read more: Town restricts non-essential water use due to low levels
Just over a year after its launch, Riverside Health Care has announced that the Lights, Camera, DIAGNOSIS! campaign has reached its goal to raise $ 1.67 million and bring the first-ever MRI machine to the Rainy River District. The milestone was announced during Riverside’s inaugural golf tournament at Kitchen Creek… Read more: Riverside Health’s Lights, Camera, DIAGNOSIS! campaign hits $1.6M goal
A call for proposals from potential canteen operators has gone out from the Town of Fort Frances, following the closure of The Penalty Box this past spring. Community Services and Facilities Manager Craig Miller said that things went well for the last tenant and they hope whoever comes in to… Read more: Town requests proposals for new arena canteen operator
PRAIRIELINE is a Manitoba-based band that fuses Métis fiddle music with the nostalgia of ‘90s country and the energy of new country music, and they’ll look to bring that experience to the big tent on Thursday, July 16, at the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship. Drummer Jonathan Peters, also known… Read more: Manitoba band PRAIRIELINE to bring country style to Thursday night at bass tournament
After almost folding when its founding members left, Thunder Bay’s The Honest Heart Collective is gearing up to put out its first new album in years and will be playing some of those shows when they hit the stage at Rainy Lake Square on July 8. Frontman Ryan MacDonald calls… Read more: The Honest Heart Collective bringing blue-collar rock back to Rainy Lake Square
Students in Andrea Coyle’s Grade 1-2 class at St. Mary’s School recently completed the FAST Heroes program, helping them to learn what stroke symptoms look like and what to do when they see them—lifesaving skills that could save a friend or family member. Natalie Veldhuisen, a community stroke prevention nurse… Read more: St. Mary’s students get some superhero training, learning to save lives by recognizing stroke symptoms
The case of a former Fort Frances educator charged with child luring will be heard again in Fort Frances Court on Sept. 10 following a judicial pre-trial conference in August. Former Robert Moore Elementary School principal Shane Beckett’s case was called before the Justice of the Peace’s Case Management Court… Read more: Case of principal charged with child luring to return to court in September
After seven years as an auxiliary captain with the Salvation Army in Fort Frances, Arthur Heathcote will be leaving town to take up a new position as an ordained officer in Winnipeg this month. Heathcote said he felt led by God to his service with the Army most recently in… Read more: It’s the people he’ll remember, says the Salvation Army’s Heathcote as he departs Fort Frances
An Ontario court has dismissed a bid by the Township of Emo and Mayor Harold McQuaker to secure a judicial review of a Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) decision that it discriminated against the LGBTQ association Borderland Pride, sending the matter back to the tribunal for reconsideration. In its… Read more: Court denies application for judicial review of Emo discrimination decision, sends matter back to Human Rights Tribunal
The La Verendrye General Hospital (LVGH) Auxiliary presented a cheque for $100,000 to Holly Kaemingh, Riverside Health Care’s director of fundraising, at its annual general meeting on Monday, the largest single donation made to Riverside’s Lights, Camera, Diagnosis! campaign so far. The donation was the culmination of an ambitious goal… Read more: La Verendrye General Hospital Auxiliary makes largest local donation to Riverside Campaign
A special section of the Fort Frances Public Library Technology’s (FFPLTC) is getting a new coat of paint. Lindsey Hamilton is a local artist and art therapist who is bringing her talents on a large scale to the children’s department at the Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre thanks to… Read more: Local artist adding colour to library children’s department
After months of rehearsals during lunch and recess, the students of St. Mary School will be putting on their performance of Beauty and the Beast Jr. tonight. The cast and crew are made up of students from grades three to seven, with many older students taking lead roles. Parker Davis… Read more: Beauty and the Beast takes to the stage tonight at St. Mary
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
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
Ice For Kids Arena was abuzz with the sound of 800 hockey fans as the Fort Frances Lakers opened up the SIJHL semi-finals with an overtime win on Good Friday in Fort Frances. The game was a back-and-forth affair as the Lakers and the Kam River Walleye traded attempts on… Read more: Lakers take game one of Salonen Cup semifinals
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
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
