By Maggie Macintosh
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Winnipeg Free Press

Lessons in longhand are being reinstated in some parts of the country after decades of script’s decline across Canadian public schools, but Manitoba has written off a cursive comeback. Starting in September, Ontario’s incoming Grade 3 students will hone the fluid writing style on an annual basis in a curricular […]

By Kevin Jeffrey
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
TBnewswatch.com

Thunder Bay–Atikokan MPP Kevin Holland is pushing back against criticism over his absence from recent Pride events in his riding, specifically rejecting a claim that he ignored requests to meet with a local LGBTQ+ organization. “I support all people in my riding, regardless of life choices, race, religion,” he said […]

Staff

A newly-designed Bailey Bridge on Highway 602 is expected to go under construction later this summer, according to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Transportation. The ministry has awarded a contract to PNI Construction to replace the Highway 602 Rainy River Tributary Bridge (Bailey Bridge) with a new culvert and […]

Police briefs (SIOUX LOOKOUT, ON) – Members of the Sioux Lookout Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have laid murder charges and have two people in custody in relation to an ongoing homicide investigation. On August 11, 2023, members of the Sioux Lookout OPP along with Emergency Medical Services responded […]

By Maggie Macintosh
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Winnipeg Free Press

A new guide on greening schoolyards calls on kindergarten-to-Grade 12 communities to reimagine lots, which are typically home to black tops and sports fields, so they become climate-resilient sites where students can learn to care for local ecosystems. Ahead of the return to school, Little Bluestem Landscape Architecture has published […]

Staff

Five local youth were awarded West Rainy River New Gold Youth Grants last month. Gajith Jinadasa, Rainy River economic development officer says the grants create a platform for future leaders within the communities of Rainy River and Dawson. Grady Ivall, Avery Lundgren, Kaylee Smith were awarded grants from the youth […]

Elisa Nguyen
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
enguyen@fortfrances.com

The Rainy River District Transportation Services Consortium (RRDTSC) safely transports 1,963 students on 41 buses, over 5,807 kilometres, for 17 schools every day during the school year. With the summer soon coming to an end, the consortium is bustling to prepare bus routes before the school year begins. “That would […]

By Robin McCormick
West End Correspondent

Above are the many happy faces involved in the 2023 Fair Queen contest. Smiling happily are the 2023 contestants, Rilee Armstrong, Isabelle Meeks, Kali Tessier, and Tatum Martin. Also looking happy and content  with their last year’s reign is Mickenna Ryll (2022 queen) and first princess Mckenna McTavish. Also enjoying […]

By Allan Bradbury
Staff Writer
abradbury@fortfrances.com

Aaron Bujold has been showing cattle at the Emo Fair and beyond for 18 years and spent 12 years as part of local 4-H beef clubs. Bujold has also seen a lot of success, last year at the fair, he was the reserve champion with his 1,334-lb. steer that sold […]

Staff

The exhibition hall is a favourite stop at the Emo Fair. Seeing the produce, baking, and artwork of friends and neighbours, and the creativity of local kids is hard to beat. This year, fair goers will be treated to a full range of local talent, including photography, LEGO structures, quilting, […]

By Ken Kellar
Staff writer
kkellar@fortfrances.com

It’s that time of year again as the Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society Fall Fair, also known as the Emo Fair, returns to town for another weekend of fun, food, and so much more. Taking place in Emo, from Thursday, August 17 to Saturday, August 19 at the Emo Fairgrounds, […]