Another year is drawing to a close, but as COVID cases surge locally, and a community mourns the first life lost to COVID in our region, this New Year's doesn't feel like the fresh start many were holding out for.
A community newspaper serves many functions – a cheerleader, a watchdog, a documentarian, just to list a few. One of its most important roles is community forum. It's a place we can share ideas, and begin conversations.
Former Fort Frances Times editor Rich Glennie has been diagnosed with COVID-19. He's written about the experience from his home, southwest of Minneapolis, and has given the Times permission to share it with our readers.
The season of giving is upon us, and the spirit of generosity is more important than ever. COVID has caused job loss and hardship to many in our community, and charities and other organizations have worked hard to create a variety of opportunities to give back this holiday season.
Sometimes it's the little things that matter.
Because sometimes, they grow into something bigger than we could have imagined.
In the winter of 1998, my wife Shonna and I took a trip to Las Vegas.
It was the early days of the internet, so we booked through a travel agent, which is why we ended up at the Treasure Island hotel. A pirate ship battle in the lagoon multiple times every night? What’s not to love?
Today marks Orange Shirt Day in Canada – a day when we recognize that Every Child Matters.
The national day grew from Phyllis Webstad's story of being forced to give up her new orange shirt she proudly wore to her first day of school at St. Joseph Mission residential school in Williams Lake, B.C. In the 1970s. Her shirt was confiscated by staff and never returned.
Although it hasn’t enjoyed the fanfare and photo-ops of a traditional school year, remote learning has quietly begun at kitchen tables across the region this week.
As with all new systems, there will be bumps and growing pains. An entirely new schooling system created in a matter of months is bound to be full of hiccups. But, it’s one of the silver linings of this pandemic.
The first frosty nights of the season hit the region earlier this week. For many, it may have prompted a quick harvest of the garden. Others may have flipped their furnace on, or dug a heavier coat out of storage. It was a gentle nudge that seasons are changing, and preparations should be made.
