By Ken Kellar
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
kkellar@fortfrances.com

Despite challenges, the Town of Fort Frances has plenty to be proud of in 2024, and much to look forward to in 2025, according to its mayor. Fort Frances mayor Andrew Hallikas recently spoke with the Fort Frances Times regarding the ups and downs experienced by the town over the […]

By Allan Bradbury
Staff Writer
abradbury@gmail.com

A Jan. 10 Facebook post officially announced the retirement of long-time CAO/Clerk-Treasurer Veldron Vogan after over 30 years working for the town. Stepping into the role is a face new to the area but experienced in working with municipalities. Shara Lavalee steps into the role after working with different communities […]

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

The Rainy River District School Board named the newest school in Rainy River at the last board of trustees meeting on January 7th, and “Rainy River K-12 School” is officially the name of the “state-of-the-art, $30 million facility.” Moreover, Rainy River K-12 School is opening its doors for the next […]

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

Beth Fairfield, Superintendent of Education for the Rainy River District School Board, plans to increase the capacity of equity among RRDSB employees across the district. For Fairfield, equity goes above and beyond in addressing disproportionality across the systems the board has in place. Thus, the Rainy River District School Board’s […]

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

Since 2020, financial literacy has been part of the math curriculum taught to all Rainy River District School Board students. Moreover, according to Tanya Kroocmo, Elementary STEM Coordinator for the Rainy River District School Board, students are taught about budgeting, comparison shopping, taxes, currencies, and more with textbooks and online […]

Staff

The Muskie Sr Boys Basketball team returned from their last tournament as B-side champions. Both the senior and junior teams were in Thunder Bay this past weekend, for the annual Tom Mustapic Tournament. Under the care of head coach Josh De Jong (far right) and Muskie alum Cole Kowalski (far […]

–Allan Bradbury photos

Dozens of residents turned out for the Rainy River Senior Activity Depot’s Active Living fair last Thursday. Seniors had the opportunity to try out different activities including card making, woodworking, and crafting. There were also booths where seniors could have their blood pressure and blood sugar checked. A variety of […]

- Robin McCormick photo

Ian Booth and Freeda Carmody enjoying a friendly hug at last weeks coffee gathering (January 7th.) Ian recently celebrated his 73rd birthday and Freeda her 87th. This was the first coffee gathering of 2025, a Seniors coffee break hadn’t taken place since December 3rd. One could tell it was a […]

–Allan Bradbury photo

Avery Degagne and Molly Tucker warm up ahead of last week’s Junior girls volleyball game against the Dryden Eagles. The match would be a three-set nailbiter with the Muskies winning the third set 15-13. The Muskie Jr. girls have a 3-5 record with one game remaining in the season.

By Philip Oddi
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Vankleek Hill Review

Prices will again rise this year as Canadians continue to struggle with significant cost increases for common goods and services. Eastern Ontario and Southwestern Québec residents can expect to shell out between $5,000 and $15,000 more than in 2024. Numerous factors continue to play a significant role in the affordability […]

From the OPP
Press release

(FORT FRANCES, ON) – On Saturday January 4, 2025, members of the Rainy River District Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in collaboration with the Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) conducted a search warrant on Birch Road in the Town of Fort Frances as part of an on-going criminal investigation. […]

By Mike Stimpson
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Thunder Bay Source

THUNDER BAY – Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu said Friday she’s confident the federal government and two Ontario First Nations organizations can reach an agreement on child welfare reform quickly. Nishinawbe Aski Nation (NAN) and the Chiefs of Ontario (COO) are in talks with the feds for an Ontario-only agreement […]