Duane Hicks has been a staff writer/photographer for the Fort Frances Times since 1998, becoming editor in 2019. Raised in Fort Frances, he left town in 1993 to attend the Journalism program at Carleton University in Ottawa. He returned in the spring of 1998, being hired at the Times shortly thereafter. He covers a variety of news beats, including municipal politics which he has covered since 2001. He also makes a mean salsa which he shares with the rest of the Times staff on his birthday.
Contact him at: dhicks@fortfrances.com
After witnessing a decline in interest in recent years, the Rainy River District Trappers Council saw a promising turnout for its workshop Saturday at the Métis Hall here.
“I thoughts things went really well,” said workshop organizer Rebecca Gustafson, who is secretary/treasurer for the Rainy River District Trappers Council.
Tina Geerdinck, left, Jesse Carmody, Dale Fortes, and Jeanette Roth showed off a heart-shaped pizza at Boston Pizza here—just like the kind customers can order tomorrow for a special Valentine's Day fundraiser. Proceeds will go to KidSport Fort Frances.
Fort Frances council opted to defer consideration of a resolution regarding the competitive bidding to find a buyer for the local mill, and demanding Resolute Forest Products comply with the terms of the Sustainable Forest Licence (SFL) for the Crossroute Forest, in light of a threat of litigation from Resolute.
Allison Cox, director of the Riverside Foundation for Health Care, and Foundation board chair Bill Gushulak did the honours of cutting the cake this morning to mark the grand opening of the new location of the Foundation's office, which is now in the main lobby of La Verendrye Hospital.
Having received word that Resolute Forest Products intends to open the future of the local mill to a competitive bidding process that will close on March 15, town council will vote tonight on a resolution to demand Resolute Forest Products comply with the terms of the Sustainable Forest Licence (SFL) for the Crossroute Forest.
Autumn Smeeth and her brother, Chevy, made heart-shaped tissue paper suncatchers during the Craft Club for Kids held Saturday morning at the Fort Frances Public Library. The craft club runs there every Saturday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult for this free activity.
Mike Bourre skilfully removed the pelt from a beaver during a trappers' workshop Saturday morning at the Métis Hall here. The event, hosted by the Rainy River District Trappers Council, saw a good turnout of district residents of all ages. The workshop featured fur-handling demonstrations, contests, and raffles, and also was an opportunity to network.
The Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau, located in the old CN station on Fourth Street West here, soon will be able to be used as a warming centre.
Late last month, the Fort Frances Homeless Committee had requested use of the East End Hall as a temporary pop-up shelter through April.
Since then, however, town staff determined it was not a suitable location for such a use.
Jim Curtis taught youths the basics of playing the ukulele yesterday during the first session of the new “Music Lessons in the Library" series at the Fort Frances Public Library. The five-week ukulele program is for kids aged nine-12. Registration is now closed but if you're interested in being put on a wait list for possible future ukulele lessons for kids or adults, contact the library.
In what's become an annual community tradition, the “Friends of the Museum” once again is planning a free family fun day early next month.
“SnOasis 7: Snowflake Heaven” is slated for Saturday, March 2 from noon-2 p.m. at the Rainy Lake Square on Scott Street.
