District

Local MPP Sarah Campbell is asking why the Liberal government is unnecessarily delaying important economic development opportunities in Northwestern Ontario.
In Question Period yesterday, Campbell asked why the government is two months’ late in approving Rainy River Resources’ terms of reference for its environmental assessment.

Boaters rejoice!
Recent warm temperatures and high winds Tuesday helped result in “ice-out” on the north arm of Rainy Lake as of yesterday (May 15), Gordie Melville of Melaire Ltd. reported this morning.
This was a far cry from last year, when “ice-out” was on April 9—breaking the record previously set in 2010 when “ice-out” occurred April 12.

A ham/turkey supper, also featuring salads, potatoes, veggies, and homemade dainties, is planned for Sunday, May 26 from 5-7 p.m. at the Dance Community Hall (doors won’t open until 4:45 p.m. this year).
The cost is $12 for adult and $6 for kids aged six-12 (those five and are free).
Funds raised will go towards maintenance of the hall and keeping history alive in Dance.
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The musical “Little Women,” presented by Fort High students, opens tonight on the Townshend Theatre stage.
“It’s quite a bit different than what we did last year,” explained director Susan De Gagne, a teacher at Fort High.

Although she didn’t win the title of Miss North Ontario, Emily Hyatt, who recently represented Rainy River District at the pageant in Sudbury, called the experience a “worthwhile” one.
“I wasn’t there to win but to have fun, make some new friends, and learn something about myself,” noted the 18-year-old Fort Frances resident, adding that’s exactly what happened.

Resolute Forest Products Inc. today officially inaugurated a major power island producing “green” energy at its pulp and paper operation in Thunder Bay.
The power island includes a refurbished and upgraded woodwaste boiler and a new 65-megawatt condensing turbine.
Approved by Resolute in early 2011, the $65-million (Cdn.) project took just over 21 months to complete.

Twenty-six district residents will receive the Volunteer Service Award for their dedication to local organizations tomorrow night.
The ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. at the Townshend Theatre.
The recipients include five Fort Frances residents, including four Fort Frances High School medical first responders (Oryn Albanese, Justin Bartsch, Cassandra Jackson, and Samantha Martin).

Ten new fires were confirmed in Northwestern Ontario over the weekend.
The forest fire hazard has been “low to moderate” for the Northwest Region, but it easily can climb into the “high” range with just one afternoon of sunny skies and high winds.
Grass fuels continue to be very dry across the region.

The International Falls Ambulance Service responded to a local hotel Monday regarding an unresponsive person, resulting in a portion of the hotel being closed down temporarily.
The patient was brought to the Rainy Lake Medical Center and later airlifted to hospital in Duluth, and is in critical condition.

Grass fires were reported in the south and west sectors of the Northwest Region throughout the week.
Every year, residents burning grass or debris ignite wildfires. In the spring, cured grass dries quickly, ignites easily, and can spread out of control quickly.
These fires threaten people and properties, and are expensive to put out.