By Derek Howard
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
MidlandToday.ca

The business of running a cemetery should be on the shoulders of the province and country instead of municipalities, Tay Township Deputy Mayor Barry Norris said during a recent committee of the whole meeting. A report costing out the cemetery operations for 2024 was discussed at the meeting, as it […]

By Ethan Braund
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Woolwich Observer

Rising costs and economic uncertainty are slowing Ontario farm business growth, according to the latest Farm Business Confidence Survey released this week by the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA).  Compared to the previous year, Ontario farmers are focusing on maintaining the status quo and dialing back expansion and investment in […]

By Ken Kellar
Editor
kkellar@fortfrances.com

Council has adjusted how much it is spending in its capital budget for 2025 as it continues towards final approval for its financials for the year. At a special budget meeting held last night, Tuesday, February 18, 2025, council was presented with an updated budget item to consider, specifically the […]

From Riverside Health Care
Press release

Riverside Health Care, in conjunction with the Northwestern Public Health Unit, has declared an end to the Influenza A outbreak at Rainycrest Long Term Care Home affecting the West Wing. Visitor and resident restrictions are no longer in place. We would like to remind everyone that we remain a mask-friendly […]

Press Release
From the Northwestern Health Unit

The Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) reports a rise in respiratory illnesses, including influenza cases, hospitalizations, and institutional outbreaks in the region. To help prevent the spread of infections and reduce unnecessary emergency room visits, NWHU urges everyone to take precautions this season.  Rather than visiting the Emergency room the health […]

By Laura Balanko-Dickson
Staff writer
lbalankodickson@fortfrances.com

According to a news release from the Ontario Medical Association, survey data from Ipsos suggests most Ontarians think the “health-care crisis” is worse now than it was last year. While the release does mention a shortage of family doctors, it claims “the cracks in our health system run much deeper.” […]

By Laura Balanko-Dickson
Staff writer
lbalankodickson@fortfrances.com

Sacred Heart School in Sioux Lookout received a recognition of excellence on two counts from the Northwest Catholic District School Board (TNCDSB) The school was recognized at the TNCDSB board meeting on Tuesday February 18, 2025. Moreover, Keri Nazvesky, Technology Embedded Learning Teacher for The Northwest Catholic District School Board, […]

By Allan Bradbury
Staff Writer
abradbury@fortfrances.com

The Great Canadian Road Trip 2.0 featuring Jason McCoy, Jason Blaine and Chad Brownlee stops at the Townshend Theatre in Fort Frances on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. Singer-songwriter Jason McCoy is on his second iteration of the Great Canadian Road Trip, which he previously toured with Doc Walker and Michelle […]

By Laura Balanko-Dickson
Staff writer
lbalankodickson@fortfrances.com

Major investments in “Indigenous-led economic development” are coming to Northwestern Ontario according to a news release from the federal government. The largest sum of the various initiatives funded by the feds was announced for Mishkeegogamang First Nation to fund the construction of a “business development and training centre.” Moreover, the […]

Greg lives in Keewatin with his wife, Janet, and their two daughters. A lifelong believer in Northern Ontario’s potential, he holds degrees in law, nursing, and business, with deep roots in the region through his professional nursing career and personal life. Most recently, Greg served as Ontario’s Minister of Northern […]

By Ken Kellar
Editor
kkellar@fortfrances.com

Voters in the Kenora-Rainy River will have five names to choose from on their ballot this election. According to Elections Ontario, as of closing of nominations, members from five of Ontario’s registered political parties have stepped forward to represent the riding as part of the next provincial government. In the […]

By Sandi Krasowski
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Chronicle-Journal

The Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) says it understands the importance of reducing financial burdens for post-secondary students and has stepped up to try to make a difference. This week the financial institution contributed $100,000 to Confederation College aimed at supporting its students in the Community Integration through Co-operative […]