It’s safe to say most Fort Frances residents accept user fees as necessary to help pay for the various services the town offers, and that it’s only fair those who use said services foot more of the bill than taxpayers in general through their property tax. While no one likes […]

The economic woes battering Fort Frances may have overshadowed the chronic doctor shortage here of late but the future health of our community hinges just as much on resolving that situation—and fast. The challenge of recruiting full-time doctors to practise here is nothing new, nor is it a problem unique […]

With its annual general meeting just days away, the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce still was pleading for members to step forward to serve on the board of directors. Well, the call was answered—and then some—as 15 people put their names forward for the 13 seats, meaning the membership now […]

As Mark Twain would have put it, rumours of the demise of the Fort Frances Lakers are greatly exaggerated. The board of directors and fan club made it crystal clear yesterday that the team is here to stay—this season and for seasons to come. While acknowledging that getting the fledgling […]

District residents joined Canadians from coast to coast today in pausing at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of our nation’s values. Perhaps because of the current conflict in Afghanistan, where news of Canadian casualties […]

Given the rash of depressing economic news of late, both nationally and on the local front, it’s comforting to see that a major corporation—Boston Pizza International—has faith in the future of Fort Frances. The opening of its long-awaited restaurant/sports bar here this week is a welcome addition to King’s Highway […]

The high-profile death of a Toronto teen, an otherwise healthy hockey player who succumbed rapidly to the H1N1 virus over the weekend, is a chilling example of the potential seriousness of the swine ’flu pandemic that has been sweeping the globe since the spring. But with word parents are now […]

Word that a methadone treatment centre finally opened its doors here yesterday is welcomed news. Such a centre has its share of critics, who argue the program simply substitutes one drug craving for another. Given the burgeoning number of area residents who have turned to methadone to curb their addiction […]

Know a young person who showed extraordinary bravery in helping to save a life? Or perhaps one who doesn’t let a physical limitation stop them from contributing to their community? How about good kids who are committed to making life better for others? It’s that time of year again when […]

The Town of Fort Frances has its eye firmly fixed on the future with the proposed purchase of Sunny Cove Camp from the local Kiwanis Club. First and foremost, the deal will help ensure the 28-acre camp—a fixture here for 75 years—continues to be enjoyed by generations of district residents […]

In the early 1990s, controversy erupted over a push to rename Sister Kennedy Centre as “Pleasant Pastimes Place” (or something to that effect). Fortunately, clearer heads prevailed and her name continues to adorn the seniors’ centre on Nelson Street as it should. After all, you don’t name a building after […]

Fewer people are requiring hospitalization here of late. Good news, right? Well, not so fast. Riverside Health Care Facilities, Inc. is using this “low patient census” at La Verendrye Hospital to justify moving the continuing care and pediatrics units down one floor and amalgamating them with St. Andrew’s Ward, where […]