By Ken Kellar
Editor
kkellar@fortfrances.com

It’s time to crown new Fort Frances royalty as the Mini King and Queen event returns ahead of Canada Day. The annual event is once again open to registration from now until Tuesday, June 10, 2025, allowing those interested in participating just under a week to submit their names. The […]

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

While the Ford government announced its support for those on the Ontario Disability Support Program and other income support programs by preventing tax-collecting clawbacks of the Canada Disability Benefit, advocates are saying the changes don’t go far enough. “In a time of unprecedented economic uncertainty brought on by US tariffs […]

By Allan Bradbury
Staff Writer
abradbury@fortfrances.com

Annalise “CC” Hayes is well known in the Fort Frances area, the former Muskie Girls captain who saw the team to multiple OFSAA appearances and medals and has now won a championship overseas and is bringing her hockey knowledge home to the Fort Frances area for a week of hockey […]

Staff

Wildfires raging across western Canada have contributed to smoky days with no end in sight in the Rainy River District. Residents have dealt with smoky, hazy days for most of a week as the fallout from significant wildfires in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta is felt in the district. According to […]

From the Northwestern Health Unit
Press release

Due to active forest fires, communities in northwestern Ontario may experience smoke in the air and poor air quality. As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Forest fire smoke is made up of a mixture of gases and fine particles that can be harmful to your health. You may experience […]

From Riverside Health Care
Press release

Riverside Health Care in conjunction with the Northwestern Health Unit has declared the Gastrointestinal Outbreak affecting the Special Care Unit at Rainycrest Long Term Care Home over. Restrictions are no longer in effect for visitors and residents. Our detailed safety procedures and infection prevention control practices are in place, designed […]

By Mike Stimpson
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Thunder Bay Source

SIOUX LOOKOUT – A recent pay raise for members of Provincial Parliament was unexpected, Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa said Friday. “That was a surprise, for sure,” Mamakwa told Newswatch. “I thought they would never do it. “Compensation for MPPs in Ontario has been frozen since 2009. MPP salaries have been […]

By Sandi Krasowski
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Chronicle-Journal

The Home Depot in Thunder Bay has partnered with Shelter House to raise funds in support of at-risk and homeless youths and has started its annual Orange Door Campaign. From now until June 22, Home Depot customers can donate at the store’s checkout or online at OrangeDoorProject.ca in support of […]

By Marissa Lentz-McGrath
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
TimminsToday.com

From Temiskaming Shores to Hearst, real estate along Northern Ontario’s Highway 11 corridor is anything but ordinary. A quick glance at current listings reveals everything from colourful homes and lakeside businesses, to a vacant lot where the only trace of the former house is its standing chimney. In Fauquier-Strickland, a […]

By Mike Stimpson
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Thunder Bay Source

TORONTO – Meaningless and unserious are words Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa uses to describe amendments the Ontario government proposes for its own Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act. The controversial bill, which would allow the province to designate “special economic zones” where provincial and municipal laws […]

From the District of Rainy River Services Board
Press release

Over 180+ delegates from across Northern Ontario will gather to address homelessness and strengthen social service delivery in the North Northwestern Ontario DSSABs to Attend Northern Ontario Service Deliverers Association Conference in Sault Ste. Marie Over 180+ delegates from across Northern Ontario will gather to address homelessness and strengthen social […]