By Ken Kellar
Editor
kkellar@fortfrances.com

A beloved Emo Fall Fair tradition has undergone significant changes in order to keep with the times. The Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society Fair Queen event, a longstanding fixture of the annual Emo Fair, is no more. According to event organizer Mary Croswell, even though the event hasn’t run since […]

Staff

There’s plenty on offer for entertainment next week as both the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship (FFCBC) and Rainy River Railroad Daze heat up the District. Beginning in Fort Frances, the FFCBC has a full slate of entertainment for everyone running each night from Wednesday, July 16, 2025, through Saturday, […]

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

The Ontario government has announced new funding set aside for the expansion of teacher training across the province. Welcomed by the Rainy River District School Board and others, this new plan aims to train thousands of new, qualified teachers, with an emphasis on supporting underserved, rural, remote, Northern, and Indigenous […]

From Riverside Health Care
Press release

Riverside Health Care is pleased to confirm that the previously advised potential temporary disruption of Emergency Department services at La Verendrye General Hospital (LVGH) will not be required at this time. All emergency services at LVGH continue to operate normally. In keeping with our commitment to open communication and in […]

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

The province of Ontario has renewed the Rural Economic Development program as Rural Ontario Development. The program will go from $27 million over five years to $20 million over two years, a 46 per cent increase in available funding. While Christa Lowry, Chair of the Rural Ontario Municipal Association and […]

By Sandi Krasowski
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Chronicle-Journal

The Ontario government has developed an integrated energy plan aimed at sustaining energy sources for generations to come. Stephen Lecce, minister of energy and mines, said Ontario is home to critical minerals, natural resources, a skilled workforce and an industrial base that global markets need. “But none of it moves, […]

By Matt Prokopchuk
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
TBnewswatch.com

IGNACE — A Northwestern Ontario township is getting a critical cash infusion to help with what local officials are calling “much-needed” repairs to an important local facility. Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford was in Ignace on Thursday to announce $935,550 towards repairs and upgrades for the Ignace Recreation Complex. That […]

By Sonal Gupta
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Canada’s National Observer

A remote northern Ontario First Nation’s daily struggle for safe drinking water is stuck in the middle of a political fight between the federal and provincial governments. Every morning, families of the Pikangikum First Nation wake up to a water crisis that has become routine. Most homes have no running […]

By Celeste Percy-Beauregard
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Hamilton Spectator

Patients at Brantford General Hospital and the Willett Urgent Care Centre in Paris can now voluntarily self-identify as Indigenous or First Nations. It may sound like a small change — but it will hopefully help connect more people with culturally safe care and better supports once they leave, Michelle Bomberry, […]

By Jon Thompson
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Ricochet

“Hey bro, I’m checking out of here tomorrow. Pissed off. Just let the other bro know,” 57-year-old Bruce Frogg texted his oldest brother Joshua on June 20, 2024 from a halfway house in Kenora. “I’m just gonna clear it with p.o. [parole officer]. I’m free already. For two weeks already. […]

By Allan Bradbury
Staff Writer
abradbury@fortfrances.com

Yesterday, Wednesday July 2, Fort Frances Mayor Andrew Hallikas and Mayor Drake Dill of International Falls came together to sign a declaration of friendship between the two municipalities. Following the ceremony Halikas noted that in conversation both mayors acknowledged that citizens of both towns were wary about crossing the border, […]

Staff

A downtown Scott Street event happening next week will give everyone a chance to give those in need a happy Christmas. The Rainy River District Women’s Shelter of Hope will be on the receiving end of a fundraiser BBQ being held in conjunction with The Bargain Shop and Salvation Army […]