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 […]

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 […]

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

Ontario and Alberta recently signed two Memoranda of Understanding at the Calgary Stampede, with plans to collaborate on new interprovincial trade and energy infrastructure. This announcement is part of a national plan to make Canada a more competitive market and reduce interprovincial trade barriers following Trump’s tariff turbulence. “Built using […]

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

To expand access to primary care physicians across the province, the Ministry of Health has announced funding for over 130 new and expanded primary-care teams. This follows a previous announcement of $300 million to expand primary care teaching clinics across the province, providing greater access to training in primary care. […]

Tonight will see cloudy periods with a chance of showers and the risk of a thunderstorm with a low of 13 C (55 F). Tomorrow will bring a mix of sun and cloud with a chance of showers during the day, remaining partly cloudy overnight with a chance of showers […]

- Austin Brown Photo

Last Friday’s storm cell left its mark on properties around Fort Frances, including this one on Second street West, as the town experienced a significant string of thunderstorms, accompanied by tornado warnings and heavy rains.

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 […]