These youngsters anxiously boarded a school bus this morning—some without their parents—to learn about riding the bus safely. The “First Rider Program” was held twice today at Robert Moore School to help the very young first-time school bus riders with any concerns they may have about riding the bus once school starts.

Local early childhood educator Rae Ann Wood, left, and Fidelia Torres, coordinator for the Best Start program in Toronto, discussed options that could be explored for early childhood education.

Acclaimed writer Ruth Culham put on a presentation for local teachers during the annual Rainy River District School Board’s “Summer Institute” Tuesday at Fort Frances High School. The presentation, “Traits in Action,” was to be provide the educators with valuable writing assessment and skill-building knowledge. District students will be back to school Sept. 5.

Cathy, left, and Tara Tovey enjoyed an afternoon in their yard playing fetch with canine pal, Sasha, on Monday. Through Tara’s struggles the pair have re-built a solid mother-daughter bond, as it’s now something they cherish dearly. Also seen here is the inspirational poem Tovey wrote to describe her disease.

OXY CONTIN

I take the pill and scrape the coating off,

This steer, owned by Kerry Hyatt, was named the 2007 Grand Champion Market Steer. It was purchased by Landmark Feeds after a bid of $2.345/lb.

Chelsea Bragg, centre, was crowned the 2007 Fair Queen on Thursday during the Rainy River Valley Agricultural Fall Fair. Sairah Chabot, left, was named First Princess, while Raylene Smith took the title of Second Princess.

As a friendly gesture, Tanya Cumming handed out copies of the Daily Bulletin and Discover Fort Frances magazine to American tourists stuck waiting in line to cross the border on Friday.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics ran yesterday afternoon from the Civic Centre to Tim Hortons. Over $6,000 was raised by the event for the international competition for athletes with intellectual disabilities in Fort Frances.

Fair-goers enjoyed the bright lights, sweets, and fast rides last night at the Emo fairgrounds. Here, children enjoyed an evening swing as the sun set in the distance. The midway at the Emo Fair is open from noon to midnight today and Saturday. —Amanda Roy photo

Friend and foe alike swarmed Pharmasave goalie Jeremy Nussbaumer (third from left) in the second half of the Borderland Soccer men’s semi-finals last night. The match went to the rival Domino’s team 1-0 in a shootout. Meanwhile on the other field, Emo blanked Gillons 4-0 on the back of two goals by Kevin Friesen.