Local News

A fast‑moving severe thunderstorm rolled through the Fort Frances area last night, creating near‑constant lightning that was the signature of a storm with extremely strong updrafts and high atmospheric instability. When warm, humid air surges upward into a colder layer aloft, the storm’s internal charge separation accelerates, producing rapid‑fire cloud‑to‑cloud […]

Students in Andrea Coyle’s Grade 1-2 class at St. Mary’s School recently completed the FAST Heroes program, helping them to learn what stroke symptoms look like and what to do when they see them—lifesaving skills that could save a friend or family member. Natalie Veldhuisen, a community stroke prevention nurse […]

A celebration of Indigenous culture and chances to explore local history and businesses in an outdoor market come together in downtown Fort Frances this week during the Discovery Days event. Discovery Days, produced by a number of local organizations and coordinated through the Chamber of Commerce and BIA, is being […]

Rainy River District OPP have been busy in the back half of June as drivers continue to choose to operate their vehicles while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. According to press releases from the OPP, on June 14, at approximately 12:30 a.m., officers received a report of a […]

The case of a former Fort Frances educator charged with child luring will be heard again in Fort Frances Court on Sept. 10 following a judicial pre-trial conference in August. Former Robert Moore Elementary School principal Shane Beckett’s case was called before the Justice of the Peace’s Case Management Court […]

Charges have been laid against a former employee of Stella WaxBar in Fort Frances following an investigation by the OPP. In a press release from the Scott Street salon, the business confirmed that on June 8, 2026, an individual, identified only as a former employee, was charged with theft under […]

Two local post-secondary institutions are joining forces to better provide education and skill-development opportunities to students in the northwest of the province. In a joint announcement made on Friday, June 19, at Seven Generations Education Institute’s (SGEI) Rainy Lake campus near Fort Frances, SGEI CEO Brent Tookenay and Confederation College […]

While North Star Air’s passenger flights to and from Thunder Bay will launch July 6 with a price tag somewhat on the expensive side and only three times a week, that could change if the passenger service takes off, according to the carrier’s vice-president. “When you look at the fares […]

Fort Frances Town Council has voted unanimously against allowing municipal “BYOB” events to which residents would be able to legally bring and consume their own alcoholic beverages. The decision was sparked by a move by the Ontario government, which, as of spring 2026, began allowing municipalities to decide whether they’d […]

Following a string of successful summer music shows last year, the Fort Frances Museum and Cultural Centre has planned a five-week concert series, Summer Sounds in the Square, to be held in Rainy Lake Square. The Wednesday-night series, which will feature five local bands on select dates between July 8 […]

Schools, community-based programs and non-profits alike were called upon by Mayor Andrew Hallikas during the June 22 town council meeting to receive their portions of the 2026 Moffat Family Fund. Managed by the Winnipeg Foundation, the Moffat Family Fund is an initiative dedicated to supporting and advancing the economic, social, […]

After 80 years of business as an auto dealer in Fort Frances, West End Motors owner Chad Avis said they feel very fortunate to be part of a community with great customers and people. West End has been woven into the fabric of Fort Frances since its founding in 1946, […]