While fishing is the farthest thing from my wheelhouse when it comes to my personal sporting preferences, the intrigue that always occurs during the final weigh-in of any tournament is always dramatic. Last year was a perfect example of that here in Rainy River District, especially with the Fort Frances […]
Columnists
I am experiencing the letdown that comes with the end of a really great holiday. I liken my quick descent back to reality to the loud gurgle and sucking swirl of water that I always stare at after finishing a sinkload of dirty dishes. “Uh-huh, there goes my ‘Cloud 9’ […]
I’ve been known as a plant-killer—a reputation that has spanned a good many years and one that is fairly well-earned. A shortcoming, if you prefer, and one that I share with my mother. Her plants always looked a tad beaten, neglected, misfortunate. Her life was busy; perhaps I will use […]
For almost two decades, I have spent the Memorial Day weekend at the Canada Games Complex in Thunder Bay officiating at the Thunderbolts’ swim meet, which attracts swimmers from Minnesota, North Dakota, and Manitoba as well as across Northwestern Ontario. For local swimmers, it is their one meet a season […]
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 […]
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. […]
