By Ken Kellar
Editor
kkellar@fortfrances.com

After nearly 50 years, Mark Howarth is setting off onto his next chapter. Howarth, the longtime owner of Leon’s, formerly Howarth’s Home Centre, in Fort Frances alongside his wife Twyla, has officially retired from the family business he has been running for close to five decades. It’s a significant milestone […]

Press Release

The Fort Frances and Area Human Trafficking Coalition is hosting a Dinner & Documentary event on February 21, 2025, at the Sunset Country Métis Hall 5-9 p.m. This powerful evening aims to educate the community about human trafficking while offering an opportunity to hear from guest speaker Cynara Vondra, an […]

By Allan Bradbury
Staff Writer
abradbury@fortfrances.com

The Fort Frances Lakers are experiencing their best season in recent memory and a portion of that success can be attributed to the goaltending tandem of Gunner Paradis of Thunder Bay and Nolan Koethler (pronounced Ket-ler) of Drayton Valley, AB. The pair have helped the Lakers to fifth in the […]

By Ken Kellar
Editor
kkellar@fortfrances.com

A fishing site that aims to connect anglers with the best fishing around the world has named Fort Frances as one of Canada’s Best Fishing Destinations for 2025. FishingBooker is an online marketplace that claims to have 6,000 fishing guides in over 100 countries that “helps customers find and book […]

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

A new program has been developed at Crossroads School that invites students and their caregivers to play together. According to Crossroads School principal Sharla MacKinnon, the program, titled ‘Come Play with Me,’ saves parents the hassle of cleaning up after playtime and sends them off with a home-cooked meal. The […]

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

Leslie Barr, a Certified Residential Appraiser and real estate sales representative, discussed the importance of investing in one’s home, especially the home’s envelope, to preserve the property and its equity. Barr said homeowners who are able can refinance their homes and use up to 80 per cent of the home’s […]

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

In response to the looming threat of U.S. tariffs, Canada’s Minister of Transport and Internal Trade Anita , and her provincial and territorial equivalents “discussed bold, transformative actions” to strengthen domestic trade across Canada according to a news release from the federal government. Some of the actions verified by ministry […]

From the Northwestern Health Unit
Press release

Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) is reminding people to get immunized and be prepared before they travel. With spring break and an increase in travel coming up, there is a real risk that diseases, like measles, could spread to our area. Many vaccine-preventable diseases are on the rise provincially, nationally, and […]

From the Canadian Mental Health Association
Press release

As international trade tensions escalate, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario is warning of the significant negative impacts this will bring on Ontarians’ mental well-being. While Ontario’s party leaders debate how to combat new tariffs by the U.S. government, studies show the consequences are not just economic. Research shows […]

From the District of Rainy River Services Board
Press release

Fort Frances, Ontario – The District of Rainy River Services Board (DRRSB) is proud to announce the official launch of the HOPE Transitional House, a crucial step forward in addressing homelessness in the Rainy River District. The new program provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals transitioning to stable […]

By Ken Kellar
Editor
kkellar@fortfrances.com

Valentine’s Day so often means chocolates and cards and flowers, but what if this year, it was asked to be a little bit more? Make no mistake, if you choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day as another special occasion to spoil your significant other, or another loved one, then this is […]