An integrity commissioner’s report has recommended that Emo Mayor Harold McQuaker be reprimanded and have his pay suspended for 60 days following the mayor’s failure to report funds donated to help with legal costs stemming from a 2024 Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) ruling. The recent report from Integrity […]
District News
By Liam Oliver Neilson
The Township of Emo is once again searching for a new CEO/librarian following Mellisa Gallagher’s resignation after just six months on the job. Gallagher started in the role last March when the township hired her to take over the position that had been vacant since the end of December 2025, […]
By Liam Oliver Neilson
Sure, the Emo Fair is all fun and games for most, but if you’re into serious competition, the place to be is Exhibition Hall, where just about anything you can raise, grow, build, bake, knit, craft, carve, pickle or crochet can be submitted for judgment—and win prizes. The Exhibition Hall […]
By Allan Bradbury
abradbury@fortfrances.com
abradbury@fortfrances.com
Beekeepers have been managing hives and collecting honey across the Rainy River District for years, but many of those in operation now got their start from a single workshop conducted in 2017. Peggy Advent sells honey under the Stratton Honey Hut brand with retailers across the district, and Tyler Spry […]
By Robin McCormick
Devlin Correspondent and Loggers Competition emcee
Devlin Correspondent and Loggers Competition emcee
Friday morning (Aug. 14), the Loggers Competition will once again take place. This contest has taken place for at least 41 years—probably a lot longer, but that’s when records started being saved—and is still going strong and arguably one of the most-enjoyed events of the entire fair. Every year, seasoned […]
NWOnewswatch.com
By Maya Ekman,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
By Maya Ekman,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
DRYDEN – This fall, the Salvation Army Thrift Store will close its doors in Dryden, further shrinking the town’s affordable shopping options. The store is no longer profitable enough to remain in the city, according to community ministries director Stuart Walter, who runs the Fort Frances, Sioux Lookout and Dryden […]
By Pam Fedack,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Kenora Miner & News
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Kenora Miner & News
The Kenora Railroaders Museum has received a much-needed boost after a public appeal for volunteers attracted several new recruits, offering hope that the community landmark can continue sharing the city’s railway history. The museum recently warned that it could face closure due to a dwindling volunteer base. While the response […]
By Laura “Sis” Wilson
The annual Local Loggers Contest at the Emo Fair is more than just a competition—it is a celebration of the logging profession, a showcase of local talent and a proud tradition that brings communities from across the Rainy River District together. Year after year, the event continues to grow, drawing […]
By Allan Bradbury
abradbury@fortfrances.com
abradbury@fortfrances.com
After a successful first year, the Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society (RRVAS) has brought back the Fair Ambassador program. It replaces the longstanding Fair Queen program, opening up the opportunity to compete for a $3,500 bursary to young people of any gender. Open to all residents of the Rainy River […]
By Ken Kellar
Editor
Editor
It’s the time of year when families from across the Rainy River District head down to Emo to take in all the sights and sounds of the Rainy River Agricultural Society Fall Fair. Newcomers, and lapsed fans of what’s popularly called the Emo Fair, however, might be wondering what the […]
By Times Staff
There was a single new wildfire reported in Northwestern Ontario as of the latest update from Ontario Forest Fires (OFF), as the total number dropped to 108 active wildland fires with 10 considered not under control, six being held, seven under control and 85 being observed. The new fire, Fort […]
By Maya Ekman
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
NWOnewswatch.com
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
NWOnewswatch.com
DRYDEN – Thursdays are the day to celebrate summer and local business in the city, with the Dryden Days of Summer taking place in the downtown core each week. Between 3 and 6 p.m., King St. closes to traffic and fills with both vendors and people promoting events along with […]
