It is with profound sadness that the family of Janice Ann Wiersema (nee Selman) announce her passing on December 12, 2025, days after her 81st birthday, at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre after a short battle with cancer. Janice was born on December 4, 1944, in Blue Township, […]
fftimes
Editor
kkellar@fortfrances.com
The shape of her business might be changing a bit, but Jennifer Horton of The Pink Parasol Tea Room will still be offering plenty of warm, fun sit-down events over the holiday and into the New Year. Horton is the longtime owner of the Scott Street-based business that began life […]
According to a warning from the national weather agency, after a thaw today, temps are expected to take a sharp decline this evening. “Temperatures are expected to reach the low to mid single digits this afternoon, leading to melting in some areas. A sharp cold front will move through northwestern […]
One man is in police custody following a break and enter in Atikokan. According to a press release from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at approximately 2:45 p.m., officers responded to a break and enter incident on Male Crescent in Atikokan. As police arrived on […]
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Chronicle-Journal
Is creating one of the great Canadian winter pastimes an art or a science? According to Neebing’s Curtis Coulson, who has been flooding outdoor skating rinks in the municipality for more than 50 years, it’s probably a mixture of both. “It’s a bit of a process, but you figure it […]
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Chronicle-Journal
Though fewer Canadians are choosing to travel to the U.S. while Donald Trump is that country’s president, a complete overhaul of Minnesota’s Grand Portage border facility on Highway 61 aims to “decrease congestion and long wait times” during peak travel periods. The US$105-million project announced on Monday by the U.S. […]
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Canada’s National Observer
Trevor Stratton recalls the day he wandered out of a pharmacy without paying last summer. The pharmacist chased him down and scolded him — only to later confirm there had been no charge at all. Stratton, who was recovering from a seizure and unclear on his medication coverage, describes the […]
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Canada’s National Observer
Canada’s food safety agency doubts it could adequately protect the food supply in the next two years if the country is hit with several concurrent emergencies, such as animal disease outbreaks or food safety recalls. The problem is exacerbated by climate change, with the agency warning the crisis could impact […]
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
TBnewswatch.com
KINGFISHER LAKE — Squeals of delight greeted jolly old Saint Nick as he entered each First Nation school gymnasium on his recent tour of the far north. Santa and his trusted elf, Jibjab-alooba Oopa (Nicole Orr), wrapped up their four-day trek through the 12 remote communities that own Wasaya Airways. […]
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Winnipeg Free Press
Manitoba’s largest school division only has one fixed rule for its staff and students when it comes to using artificial intelligence. “Don’t put personal or confidential or sensitive information into one of these robots,” said Matt Henderson, superintendent of the Winnipeg School Division. Given how rapidly this technology is evolving, […]
Staff writer
lbalankodickson@fortfrances.com
A local grocery store is stepping up once again to help out those in need in the community. The Fort Frances Safeway is now running its annual food bank donation campaign. The campaign runs until Christmas Eve, with all donations benefiting the Salvation Army Fort Frances. “We also have our […]






