A small store in Emo that offers a mix of regular variety, locally made goods and niche, hard-to-come-by products hit a 20-year milestone this year, and Mary and Naomi Martin, the sisters who own Misty River Alternatives, say a supportive community and customer loyalty have brought them this far. The […]
Liam Oliver Neilson
Liam Oliver Neilson is a reporter originally from Windsor, Ont. He studied journalism at Humber Polytechnic in Toronto. After completing his program, he moved to Fort Frances to join the staff of the Times.
By Liam Oliver Neilson
lneilson@fortfrances.com
lneilson@fortfrances.com
Rainy River High School (RRHS) and Riverview Public School are closing their doors for good. Although the old schools garner an emotional farewell from the many staff and students over the years, an updated kindergarten to Grade 12 building will bring advance learning capabilities for the small town on the […]
By Liam Oliver Neilson
With just over a month left for candidates to declare themselves in the race for Fort Frances Town Council, only two names have emerged so far in the contest for a mayor to replace Andrew Hallikas, who is not seeking another term. Lifelong Fort Frances residents Brent Calder and John […]
By Liam Oliver Neilson
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
lneilson@fortfrances.com
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
lneilson@fortfrances.com
A celebration of Indigenous culture and chances to explore local history and businesses in an outdoor market come together in downtown Fort Frances this week during the Discovery Days event. Discovery Days, produced by a number of local organizations and coordinated through the Chamber of Commerce and BIA, is being […]
By Liam Oliver Neilson
While North Star Air’s passenger flights to and from Thunder Bay will launch July 6 with a price tag somewhat on the expensive side and only three times a week, that could change if the passenger service takes off, according to the carrier’s vice-president. “When you look at the fares […]
By Liam Oliver Neilson
Fort Frances Town Council has voted unanimously against allowing municipal “BYOB” events to which residents would be able to legally bring and consume their own alcoholic beverages. The decision was sparked by a move by the Ontario government, which, as of spring 2026, began allowing municipalities to decide whether they’d […]
By Liam Oliver Neilson
Of the many things northwestern Ontario’s weather has been lately, steady is not among them, with patterns of warm, cold, damp and dry over the past month alone. From diversifying crops to preparing for conditional pests, such weather uncertainty intensifies the need for farmers to adapt quickly, according to Dave […]
By Liam Oliver Neilson
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
lneilson@fortfrances.com
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
lneilson@fortfrances.com
After 80 years of business as an auto dealer in Fort Frances, West End Motors owner Chad Avis said they feel very fortunate to be part of a community with great customers and people. West End has been woven into the fabric of Fort Frances since its founding in 1946, […]
By Liam Oliver Neilson
After more than a decade representing the Rainy River District at the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA), Fort Frances Town Councillor Wendy Brunetta has been recognized and thanked for her service and dedication to the community. Brunetta, who will be leaving the board and will not be running for re-election […]
By Liam Oliver Neilson
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
lneilson@fortfrances.com
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
lneilson@fortfrances.com
Sunday held more than a regular worship for Fort Frances churchgoers who gathered for an annual baseball game and barbecue on June 7 at the St. Francis Sports Fields. Now, the group is looking to have their game and social event grow throughout the community for years to come, according […]
By Liam Oliver Neilson
A request to change a municipal bylaw and allow local breeding and keeping of ball pythons as pets was denied during Monday’s town council meeting. The discussion was first prompted during the April 13 council meeting when lifelong Fort Frances resident Kaya Hammond submitted a letter requesting the bylaw amendment. […]
By Liam Oliver Neilson
Residents of Canada’s north are no strangers to the threat of wildfires breaking out near their communities and the danger that they represent to life and property. But those who have never met a blaze face-to-face might be less familiar with the steps taken to control fires in the bush. […]
