Lorraine Norris (Mattson), 85, of Fort Frances, Ont., passed away peacefully on Friday, Feb. 24, 2012 with family by her side after a brief illness. Lorraine was born May 24, 1926 in Shaunavon, Sask. to Esther (Ottavainen) and Hugo Mattson. Lorraine married Jimmy Keith Norris on Sept. 14, 1947 in […]

Whether or not you agreed with local MP John Rafferty’s decision last week to again vote with the Conservative government to abolish the long-gun registry, his move exposed the thorny dilemma when a political party’s platform clashes with the wishes of the majority of constituents. To Mr. Rafferty’s credit, he […]

I had homework to do this week that included reading three chapters of a book on grief and how to move beyond loss. I’m not supposed to go further in the book until I’m instructed to do so, nor am I supposed to use it to teach anyone else—and I […]

Well, the calves are coming in nicely and I am approaching my halfway point. The weather has been amazing and it sure seems to make for a less anxious walk to the barn hoping that you didn’t miss someone calving and find a very cold surprise. I’ve had a couple […]

By Gary Sliworsky
Ag rep, Emo

On Jan. 4, Ontario amended O. Reg. 282/98 under the Assessment Act to provide new rules with respect to the assessment of property taxes on renewable energy installations. The objective was to clarify the property tax treatment of renewable energy installations for property owners, project developers, municipalities, and the Municipal […]

Last Wednesday (Feb. 15), the Commission on the Reform of Ontario’s Public Services, popularly known as the Drummond Report, was released. The report outlines 362 recommendations that are intended to help the provincial government streamline spending. While the report is considered controversial by many, we have to keep in mind […]

Can you imagine what life would be like without computers? I wake up in the morning and my digital clock tells me what time it is. My coffee pot already is brewing a fresh pot when I wander downstairs for breakfast. I flip on an old radio and listen to […]

The past week in Ottawa saw the long gun registry finally sealed as Bill C-19 passed its final hurdle in the House of Commons. I was happy to have been present for all of the votes on C-19, and to have voted in support the abolition of the long gun […]

I love a bubble bath—a big deep tub filled with water hot enough to almost melt me and with bubbles up around my ears. The combination of bubbles and heat solve many of life’s dilemmas and anxieties. I think this stems back to my aspiration as a six-year-old to become […]

After a couple of weeks on the road in warm and sunny Florida, I finally made it home last week and back to our winter weather. It’s nice to get home and see all my friends and family, and our weather was actually pretty nice so that wasn’t much of […]

Last year at this time (though, to be honest, it feels like 20 years ago at this point), I had my first-ever experience witnessing the annual exhibition battle between the Muskie boys’ hockey team and the International Falls Broncos. From the duelling chants and the throwing of pizza boxes onto […]

William Elmer “Bill” Wasykowski, 80, of 851 Colonization Rd. W., Fort Frances, Ont., passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances. Bill was born Dec. 5, 1931 in Fort Frances to the late John and Nettie […]