Elisa Nguyen
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
enguyen@fortfrances.com

What type of Pokemon would Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Elvis be? Legendary Pokemon. Unless you know the game, the Pokemon pun may receive a few blank stares. History proves that the musicians are indeed legendary, but when it comes to the world of Pokemon—things can feel a bit daunting. […]

Elisa Nguyen
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
enguyen@fortfrances.com

The Rainy River District Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) continues to investigate a threats incident at the Fort Frances High School. On January 7, 2024, at approximately 4:00 p.m., members of the Rainy River District OPP Detachment received information suggesting that a bomb will be brought to the […]

Elisa Nguyen
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
enguyen@fortfrances.com

This year, Dr. Robert Lidkea celebrated his 93rd birthday with the gift of retirement. Known in 1952 as the youngest practicing optometrist in Ontario and in 2021 as the oldest practicing optometrist, Lidkea has made great strides in the optometry field and as an avid volunteer in his community. At […]

Elisa Nguyen
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
enguyen@fortfrances.com

The motto of the SAR-1 program is “so that others may live.” True to their mission, the program recently provided intensive training to a group of future team leaders in the Rainy River District, developing expertise and a search and rescue team for the Treaty 3 territory and neighbouring communities […]

By Elisa Nguyen
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
enguyen@fortfrances.com

The Northwest Catholic District School Board (TNCDSB) has seen an increasing number of students with autism this year. Despite initial challenges, the ongoing love and support of educators has led to successful learning and peer relationships, says Tara Johnson, Autism and Positive Behavior Support Lead for the board. To share […]

Elisa Nguyen
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
enguyen@fortfrances.com

As we steered past Highway 11’s winding road, Rainy Lake peaceful and melted along certain parts, I had the strangest feeling of déjà vu. I certainly never visited Fort Frances before. Yet in each pocket of town, I was flooded by memories that I couldn’t fully claim as my own. […]

Elisa Nguyen
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
enguyen@fortfrances.com

Natural disasters and emergencies happen from time to time. In particular, the Rainy River District has experienced many floods over the last few years, making the importance of being prepared for emergencies greater than ever. Patrick Briere, Emergency Management Field Officer in the Amethyst Sector, noted that the last flood […]

Elisa Nguyen
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
enguyen@fortfrances.com

The Boys’ Drumming Group has been a source of pride and connection for many students at Robert Moore School, and the Ojibwe language club for elementary school students has also engaged young people in a love for learning language. “The number is just growing and growing,” said the presenter at […]

By Elisa Nguyen
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
enguyen@fortfrances.com

Sold for only $6 a box, Girl Guide cookies are more than just a delicious treat. The money raised through cookie sales help provide diverse and exciting programs and activities for girls, cover camp and event fees, and bring the girls into the community where they can learn life skills. […]

Elisa Nguyen
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
enguyen@fortfrances.com

The Techways Program has provided elementary school students with an introduction to the skilled trades through hands-on learning over the past 5 years. The program meets future needs for more people in the skilled trades workforce and prepares students for newly implemented technological education requirements for graduation. It also positions […]

By Elisa Nguyen
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
enguyen@fortfrances.com

A new reroute along Turtle River Road will finally enable snowmobilers to enjoy the loop around northwestern Ontario for much longer this winter. For many years, snowmobilers could ride the 1000 kilometer wilderness loop for only around two weeks during the snowy season, due to a section of the trail […]

Elisa Nguyen
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
enguyen@fortfrances.com

The complexities of loss and bereavement is something that many are never fully prepared for. Understanding the ways that grief reveals itself and coping strategies to handle life changing circumstances are only a few of the benefits of palliative care education. Palliative care is specialized medical care for people living […]