A couple of weeks ago, the Ministry of Natural Resources quietly announced serious cuts to its “Bear Wise” program, including the cancellation of the trapping and relocation component that deals with nuisance bears. At the time of the announcement, the MNR suggested the program was ineffective in dealing with wayward […]
Columnists
Do you remember watching your mother make soap the old-fashioned way–in a large cast iron pot on an open fire? I do! Your answer to that question reveals two things–whether or not you grew up on a farm, and what your age is. When I was young, butchering day was […]
As it seems to happen here in Rainy River District, we have weather extremes: extremely cold, extremely hot, extremely dry, and extremely damp. We all will agree that we needed the rain, but now it’s time for this pattern to move off–preferably to the Timmins area, where they have been […]
By Gary Sliworsky Ag rep, Emo The breeding season has started for many producers, although some have not yet turned their bulls out into the breeding pasture. What can be done to achieve maximum breeding performance for the least cost? When the herd sire was selected, it likely meant a […]
In recent years, privatization has been a buzzword used by various governments to demonize our public servants. Whether it is the provincial or federal government, the public service has become a scapegoat for reckless government spending, including hundreds of millions of dollars that are wasted on well-connected consultants each year. […]
I wake up at 6 a.m. every morning, pour a cup of coffee, sit in my favourite chair, write in my diary, and read a daily reflection from “The Book of Awakening” by Mark Nepo. Until now, I’ve lived a very safe existence—one that’s calculated and organized so that I […]
Rainy Lake came alive this Victoria Day weekend. Since our first weekend at the cabin almost five weeks ago, hardly a light has been seen at night on the lake. But this past weekend, several lights lit the windows of cabins that we can see. Over the previous two weekends, […]
Exercise is easy for younger people, but they often feel they don’t have time to walk two miles a day or play tennis. Many older people have the time, but exercising is difficult and sometimes hurts. So every person has a different excuse. But none of the excuses are valid. […]
It’s Sunday morning when I am writing my column. It’s early. No one else is awake—not even the puppy. It’s quiet and the sun is delicious, but not hot. The air has a crispness to it and it makes me glad because I know it is going to warm up. […]
The excitement of the final 10 boats coming into the Emo/La Vallee Community Centre this Saturday, and the buzz over what the biggest fish of the weekend will be, probably are going to be the biggest topics of conversations at this weekend’s Emo Walleye Classic. An almost inevitable discussion point, […]
A strong contingent of Canadian teams travelled south last week to fish the annual Sturgeon Bay Open bass tournament on Lake Michigan. Comparable to the Shaw Kenora Bass International and the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship, this event hosts a large field of between 150 and 200 teams on one […]
The flash of fire at the top of the elm tree. A clear, flute-like whistle in late spring. A hanging basket nest. These are the trademarks of one of our most striking birds—the Baltimore Oriole. The male bird is absolutely brilliant in jet black and bright orange. During the courting […]
