By Mark Pavilons
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
King Weekly Sentinel

There’s mounting opposition to the federal government’s firearm buy-back program. The program opened Jan 19, despite widespread opposition and refusal of some provinces to participate. The federal government unveiled the next steps in its national gun buyback program and Canadians will have about two months to declare their interest in […]

By Connor McDowell
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Brandon Sun

A police officer and a military member who were involved in the rescue of three stranded fishers on Lake Manitoba earlier this month detailed the night as a collaboration that involved some help from the missing fishers. RCAF member Capt. Zach Hotte was on the rescue plane, a CC-130H Hercules, […]

By Renee Lilley
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Portage Graphic Leader

The Portage Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) is turning to unique community events like “cat yoga” and targeted foster programs to meet the growing needs of its local rescue operations. Chrissy Nesbitt, fundraising coordinator for PAWS, says the organization is looking for creative ways to engage the public while supporting the […]

By Matt Prokopchuk
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
TBnewswatch.com

SIOUX LOOKOUT — Several years’ worth of work is scheduled to start this spring on Sioux Lookout’s wastewater system. That’s according to Mayor Doug Lawrance, who told Newswatch increasing the capacity of the existing water treatment plant is needed to accommodate the municipality’s growth. “Our population has just grown steadily […]

Thankfully it is looking like we might be moving out of the deep freeze. I am hoping I can stop worrying about all the things that could potentially go wrong. Then again, it is doubtful because that seems to be something I am good at. I really don’t have anything to complain […]

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Russell Cyr, 62, on January 25, 2026, at LaVerendrye Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont., with his daughter Kayla, and niece Nancy by his side. Russell was born on April 23, 1963, to Louis and Rosie Cyr. Throughout his […]

It is with great sadness the family announces the passing of Eddie Tetu, 82, of Stratton, Ont., at his residence on January 20, 2026. Eddie was born in Fort Frances on November 29, 1943, to parents Laurie and Clara Tetu. After his schooling, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air […]

By Robin McCormick
West End Correspondent

Thunder Bay Ironworks #759 Trade School was built two years ago, a building for iron worker apprentices. It was an immediate decision from not only president B.J. Sault, business manager Adam MacGillivary, and the many ironworkers who knew him, that the trade school should be in memory of Russ MacDonald, […]