Sage Morin visited Fort Frances High School last Thursday morning to speak with students about her tragic story involving the death of her son and the changes she wants to drunk-driving laws.

On May 19, 2013, Morin's two-year-old son, Geo Mounsef, was struck and killed by a vehicle that crashed onto the patio of a suburban restaurant in Edmonton as the family was eating dinner.

"Growing up in a small town such as this

gave me such memories of friendship and fun.

It's great to look back and reminisce

Fort Frances to me is number one."

The words of a poem written by Ruth Caldwell sum up why it's no surprise she was named the 2016 “Citizen of the Year.”

With Canada Day only 23 days away, local residents can start getting fired up about this year's celebrations.

Fun in the Sun committee chair Cynthia Donald said yesterday that plans are shaping up nicely, with something new this year being “key log rolling,” which features 65-pound synthetic logs.

Gord Mackintosh was not your typical politician and “Stories Best Left Untold: Tales from a Manitoba legislator,” is not your typical political memoir.

Mackintosh steps out of his familiar role as the Manitoba NDP's go-to guy, foot soldier, and law reformer to provide a unique take on the quirky places and people behind his long and varied career.

Fort Frances High School student Angie Redford has returned home from the Canada-Wide Science Fair with her second-straight bronze medal-this time with partner Anna Schwartz (home-schooled).

The 4-H United Beef Club, featuring 13 members, held its first meeting of 2017 on Wednesday, May 17 at 7 p.m.

Our club leaders this year are Ken and Mary-Ann Haw and Neil and Angela Haw.

Our youth leader is Morgan Haw.

We opened the meeting by reciting the 4-H pledge and played an ice-breaker game.

An NDP motion put before the Ontario legislature by Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell, calling for better access to health care for northerners, received support from all parties on Thursday.

Campbell's motion also called for a significant overhaul of the Northern Health Travel Grant.

After being underserviced for decades, district residents finally will be able to receive culturally-appropriate treatment and medically-supervised detox services closer to home thanks to a new partnership between Fort Frances Tribal Area Health Services and the provincial and federal governments.

The Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board had a chance to show off newly-renovated, accessibility-friendly apartments at Green Manor here last Thursday.

Local contractor Ed Kaun & Sons made two one-bedroom units more accessible, as well as converted three one-bedroom units into a pair of two-bedroom accessible ones.

Plans for the final reunion are being made for July 22-23 for anyone, especially from the years 1951-53, who attended Fort Frances High School-not just graduates but everyone interested.

We've had calls from out-of-towners from B.C. and eastern Canada asking for a chance to meet old friends and share memories.

Decades of volunteerism, along with commitment to the Legion and the local community, were recognized during the Legion Ladies Auxiliary Br. #29 honours and awards ceremony Saturday afternoon.

The first district chess tournament since 2009 was held at Crossroads School in Devlin back on May 3.

Some 58 students attended from Crossroads, S.C.A.P., and Robert Moore School.

Each player had five games throughout the tournament, and was ranked according to wins, losses, or draws.

The top three placers in the each of the four divisions received medals afterwards.

The officers and cadets of the 908 Rainy Lake Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron held their 14th-annual Ceremonial Review last Wednesday evening in the Memorial Sports Centre auditorium.

The cadets were inspected by the reviewing officer, local Justice of the Peace Pat Clysdale-Cornell, and received awards for their past year of achievements.

The Citizens for Backus/AB are honoured to accept a grant of $3,500 from the Marshall N. Knudson Family Community Fund.

The funding will be used towards the Youth Art Garden at Backus to help plant and maintain it.

There were more winners in the Alzheimer Society of Kenora/Rainy River Districts' cash calendar draw for June.

Winning $40 were Irene Hill-Haver, Pat Gartch, Margaret Silk, and Marie Brady (Fort Frances), Leo Faykes (Stratton), Scott Lundy (Nestor Falls), and Woody Linton (Sioux Narrows).

A community organization based in Emo has been approved by the province to operate a new child care centre at the west end of the district.

But it now is calling on the Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board to come to the table with its support.

A troupe of eight French Immersion drama students at Fort Frances High School will debut their play tomorrow (June 8) at the Townshend Theatre, with free performances set for 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

“La bataille qui est l'école secondaire," or "The struggle that is high school,” outlines a typical day for a student at Fort High.

An indigenous awareness week recently was held at Rainy River High School.

Organized by Morning Star Tom, the Indigenous Student Guidance Counsellor at RRHS, the week included traditional geese preparation and various workshops.

In honour of Senior's Month, the Emo Public Library will be holding a free Seniors' Drop-In Tea Party on Tuesday, June 20 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

The event will allow questions, discussion, socializing, and a door prize. Light refreshments and dainties also will be served.

Let the staff know how the library can better serve you.

The top young soap box derby racers on the planet will gather next month—and a Fort Frances resident once again will be among them.

Marie-Mai Langevin is heading back to Akron, Ohio for the 80th FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby World Championship Race on July 22 after dominating the Super Stocks division at the Dakota Soap Box Derby in Valley City, N.D. on Saturday.

Sean Huziak missed his first chance at OFSAA glory in the javelin event on Friday.

But the Muskies' lone double gold-medalist from the NWOSSAA championships rebounded in a big way Saturday—garnering a top throw of 40 metres to finish in seventh place out of 23 entrants in the Midget boys' discus at the all-Ontario track and field championships in Belleville.

It's rare enough to lose by the same score two games in a row one time per season.

The Emo Renegades now have done it twice—and they're tired of being anomalous.

It took patience, courage, and grit but Steve Arpin finally has that champion's look about him once again.

The Fort Frances native captured his second career feature race on the Red Bull Global Rallycross circuit Sunday to conclude a two-day, two-event stop in Thompson, Conn.

The venue for the upcoming Bob Mainville Memorial golf tournament incorrectly was reported as being set for Heron Landing on July 8.

In fact, the tournament will take place at Kitchen Creek this year.

The Times regrets any confusion or inconvenience this error may have caused.

If it's happened before, nobody for the moment can seem to remember it.

Jamie Davis of Devlin won the WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds and WISSOTA Modifieds feature races Saturday night at the Emo Speedway to unofficially became the first driver in Borderland Racing Association history to capture two features in two different divisions on the same night.

Grab your shorts and hit the court—and don't forget the sunscreen.

Fort Frances Fire 'N Ice Volleyball Club head coach Amy Wilson-Hands intends to start a beach volleyball league at the sand courts at Point Park.

The results page on the OFSAA website was willing to cut the Muskie boys' soccer team a break, which was more than could be said for any of their opponents last week.

Fort High came home disappointed yet again from the all-Ontario 'AA' championships in North Bay—getting blanked in all four of its matches to finish last among the five teams in Group 'C.'

The Dawson Tigers' tendency to stay busier than the rest of the league is proving to be a productive strategy.

A doubleheader sweep in Sabaskong on Sunday has pushed the Tigers into first place in the Rainy River District Fastball League with a 5-1 record.

Jeff Morrison was dominant from the rubber in beating the Sabaskong Goldeneyes 22-1 and then the Sabaskong Cubs 17-1.

Students in the Grade 11 French Immersion class rehearsed Monday afternoon for their play, “La bataille qui est l'école secondaire," which translates to "The struggle that is high school.” The play, co-written by the students, will debut tomorrow at 2 p.m., with another free show at 7 p.m.

Chris Lowe, above, checked out the renovated kitchen in one of units at Green Manor which have been revamped to be more accessible during the open house there last Thursday. Meanwhile below, even the closets in the renovated units have been more accessible thanks to a lower closet rod and no doors.

The local chapter of the Bear Clan Patrol walks the streets around town often, not just to look for used needles but to ensure residents are kept safe. Here they can be seen patrolling in the north end. They sport electric yellow vests and Bear Clan Patrol patches.

The bathrooms in the renovated units are made to be easy to get into and out of.

F/Sgt. DeGagne walked with the reviewing officer, local Justice of the Peace Pat Clysdale-Cornell, through the ranks of the 908 Rainy Lake Royal Canadian Air Cadets at its annual ceremonial review last Wednesday night. Clysdale-Cornell inspected the cadets, then later gave a speech praising the program and the work of the local squadron.

Two lambs and a troupe of baby chicks gave the residents of Rainycrest a warm welcome last Tuesday afternoon courtesy of Gerber Farms. Here, Levi Morris held one of the barely month-old lambs while Dorie Dennis gave it a pet.

A student tried on some of the Treaty #3 Police Servce gear during a career symposium held at Rainy River High School last Wednesday in conjunction with Indigenous Awareness Week there. Other booths on hand included the United Native Friendship Centre, Ministry of Natural Resources, and the Métis Nation of Ontario.

The Bear Clan Patrol was contacted earlier this month to respond to a call from a resident who needed help cleaning a rental home. These are just some of the needles and other paraphernalia that were found inside. The Bear Clan carefully puts these needles into sharps containers, which they then drop off at the Northwestern Health Unit office for safe disposal.

Sage Morin spoke to Fort High students last Thursday about her son, Geo, who was killed by a drunk driver in 2013.

The bathroom mirrors in the renovated units are tilted downward so users don't have to be parallel with the mirror to see themselves in them.

Ben Sletmoen, Ben Tysz, Megan Allan, Cait Morrison, and Carly Steinke enjoyed the warm weather as they washed cars for Tim Hortons annual “Camp Day” last Wednesday. Proceeds from coffee sales that day, as well as other fundraising activities, go to the Tim Hortons Children Foundation to help send children from low-income families to summer camp.

Legion Ladies' Auxiliary Br. #29 members May Matheson, left, Alfreda Easton, Joanne Gosselin, and Gwen Westover proudly showed off their 50-year pins during Saturday afternoon's ceremony.

Clora McEvoy, left, was honoured with a 65-year pin for service by Legion Ladies' Auxiliary Br. #29 president Alfreda Easton during the honours and awards ceremony Saturday afternoon.

2016 “Citizen of the Year” Ruth Caldwell said she's very honoured to be recognized by the town she loves.

Piper Caldwell was one of the Grade 8 students from Jody Bonner-Vickers' class at Fort High who spray-painted stencils beside 46 storm drains along the waterfront last Wednesday to remind people not to put pollutants into the sewer system.

Austin Kreger of 'Double E' Sheep Shearing, a company based in Yorkton, Sask., sheared the final sheep at Willow-Mor Farms in Burriss. Kreger and his co-worker, Russell-John Eddy, sheared about 60 sheep for various farmers in the area during their visit here Monday, using a special transportable set-up and various handling tricks to keep the sheep calm while the wool is harvested.

Legion Ladies' Auxiliary Br. #29 president Alfreda Easton, left, stood by Glenna Morand, Yvonne Chambers, and Georgine Hayes after presenting them with 25-year pins and bouquets Saturday afternoon.

Summer student Alyssa Chiasson showed off just some of the “Canada 150" merchandise currently available at the Fort Frances Museum during "Market Thursday” last week. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. while the market takes place each Thursday on the 200 block of Scott Street. To book a table, call Betty's (274-9565).

The art of solid serving was one of the fundamentals learned by Samara Jones as part of the Ontario Volleyball Association's 14U Region 1 High Performance Centre tryouts at Fort High on Sunday. A number of players from the local area were selected to participate in next month's OVA High Performance Centre training camp from July 2-7 (boys) and July 17-22 (girls) in North Bay.

On a sizzling spring evening last Thursday, there was plenty of heart-warming action as the newest generation of up-and-coming soccer stars took to the pitch at the St. Francis Sports Field as part of Fort Frances Youth Soccer. This particular battle in the Squirt division featured the Small Fries and Mini-Kickers (background).

Motorists irked by detours can rest easy—the reconstruction of one block of Second Street East from Mowat Avenue to Portage won't start for another couple of months.

There are two active fires in the Northwest Region, including one here in Fort Frances District.

Fort Frances Fire #7 first was reported Tuesday west of Mud Lake.

The human-caused blaze is listed as “under control” at 0.2 hectares in size.

The other active fire, Red Lake Fire #9, is a lightning-caused blaze also reported Tuesday.

Shortly before 11 p.m. on June 2, a member of the Rainy River District OPP observed a traffic-related infraction involving an all-terrain vehicle in the area of O'Brien Street and Mercury Avenue in Atikokan.

The officer stopped the vehicle in question and conducted an investigation.

Another Fort Frances Laker is heading for what he hopes will be greener post-secondary pastures.

Defenceman Ryan Gazich yesterday committed to join the Gustavus Adolphus College Golden Gusties (St. Peter, Mn.) this fall after two years with the Lakers.

Her major-league role model had a big afternoon yesterday, so Dana Ward thought she would do the same last night.

Ward drove in four runs, and scored the game-winning run, as the Fort Frances Her-icanes topped the host Emo Renegades 12-10 in Rainy River District Fastball League action to reclaim sole possession of first place.

Cole Tymkin's grand experiment with the other half of the battery continues to sail along.

Normally a catcher, Tymkin has put opposing hitters on their heels in winning all three of his pitching starts this season, including a 15-7 victory over the host Northwest Bay Chieftains in Rainy River District Fastball League action Tuesday.

Site work continues at the location of the future Rainy Lake Square. Most recently, RML Contracting and Syncor Contracting have been installing frames for footings. The concrete for them will be poured early next week, at which time the layout of the new square will begin to become apparent.

Brian Smith of Naicatchewenin First Nation spoke to students at St. Michael's School on Tuesday afternoon to explain the significance of his regalia and answer any questions they had about pow-wows or Ojibwe culture.

SASKATOON—The father of a young man who left long tire skid marks on a Saskatoon crosswalk freshly-painted with the hues of the LGBTQ community's rainbow flag says his son didn't realize what the colours mean to the city's Pride festival.

A festival spokesman said the father contacted the OUTSaskatoon office after the marks were discovered Monday.

OTTAWA—In 10 years, annual defence spending in Canada will be $14 billion higher than it is now, Defence minister Harjit Sajjan said yesterday as he unveiled the Liberal government's long-awaited vision for expanding the Canadian Armed Forces.

SIDNEY, B.C.—An unusual story of adoption and survival is unfolding in a bald eagle's nest in Sidney on Vancouver Island.

An eagle is raising several of its own young, but also has hatched an egg left by a red hawk and is feeding and caring for it.

MAPLE CREEK, Sask.—A busy beaver is being blamed for some bridal blues, leaving a Saskatchewan couple in the dark on their wedding day.

The beaver chewed through a power pole, knocking out electricity on May 27 at Kim and Calum Martin's wedding at The Resort at Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park.

Kim Martin said the lights went out in the afternoon, shortly after the ceremony.

MOOSE JAW, Sask.—Canda's Snowbirds aerobatic squad is resuming its airshow season after it was put on hold last month to allow their pilots to get more practice.

The flying team's normal training schedule had been cut short this year because of bad weather.

Snowbird pilots since have undergone two weeks of intensive training and practice at 15 Wing Moose Jaw.

TORONTO—An Ontario judge who recently led a review into police oversight will look into whether the practice of police street checks, known as “carding,” is consistent with the provincial government's goal of eliminating systemic racism.

TORONTO—Ontario is looking at ways to make child care more affordable for families in the province, announcing a framework the minister in charge calls a step toward universal child care.

TORONTO—Ontario was to announce the launch of its new autism program today, which is expected to go much more smoothly than the Liberal government's last attempt that angered thousands of families and spawned large protests.

Children will begin moving into the new program June 26, Ontario's minister for children and youth services was due to announce.

MEMPHIS, Tenn.—It's a tournament Phil Mickelson has come so close to winning so many times, only to agonizingly fall short.

Not the U.S. Open—that's next week—but the St. Jude Classic in Memphis.

Mickelson definitely won't claim that first U.S. Open victory this year because he's already said he's skipping it to attend his daughter's high school graduation .

OAKLAND, Calif.—Back when he played here, Josh Donaldson watched many a hard-hit ball get halted by the wind at the Oakland Coliseum short of going over the outfield fences.

So he didn't want to count on his 10th-inning drive going far enough.

PITTSBURGH—Evgeni Malkin expects Phil Kessel to score in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup final tonight, and anticipates his own “best game,” too.

The Pittsburgh Penguins likely will need both Malkin and Kessel at their best to wrestle back control of a series that's lately gone the Nashville Predators' way.

DETROIT — Autonomous vehicles with no human backup will be put to the test on publicly travelled roads as early as next year in what may be the first attempt at unassisted autonomous piloting.

Automotive electronics and parts maker Delphi and French transport company Transdev plan to use autonomous taxis and a shuttle van to carry passengers on roadways in France.

CLEVELAND—Kevin Durant released his deep shot—the one he always makes in his dreams.

As the ball hung in the air, his plan to win a championship, Golden State's grip on the series, and Cleveland's last-gasp attempt to defend its title—all of it was on the line.

Perfect.

DENVER—In a step toward possible sainthood, the remains of a former slave have been moved to a Catholic cathedral in Denver, where people lined up yesterday to honour her and pray for her help.

SEOUL, Korea, Republic Of — North Korea fired several suspected short-range anti-ship missiles Thursday, South Korea’s military said, in a continuation of defiant launches as it seeks to build a nuclear missile capable of reaching the continental United States.

LOS ANGELES — For years, immigrants facing deportation have been allowed to stay in the U.S. provided they show up for regular check-ins with federal deportation agents and stay out of trouble. After a brief meeting, they’re usually told to return months later to check in again.

NAIROBI, Kenya — A decorated U.S. war veteran with two decades’ experience in military intelligence, Lt. Col. Faye Cuevas spent half her career providing intelligence support to U.S. counter-insurgencies in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa. Now she is using her expertise to fight a different kind of conflict: the war on wildlife poaching.

TORONTO — First Nations activist John Croutch wants Canadians to learn more about traditional indigenous cuisine.

PALM BEACH, Fla. — President Donald Trump’s decision to pull out of the Paris climate agreement could accelerate damage to his family’s real estate empire in the coming decades, especially his properties that lie just feet from the encroaching sea in low-lying South Florida.

Sometimes I just crave a big serving of. green beans. You too, right?

At its June 6 meeting, the Rainy River District School Board recognized the contributions of two individuals with its Volunteer of the Year award, as well as honoured retirees.

Selena Vanasse of Rainy River and Jimmy Warren of Atikokan were recognized for their volunteer service.

The OPP is continuing to request the public's assistance in locating a male wanted on a Canada-wide warrant as a result of failing to comply with a recognizance.

Daniel Sanche is described as a heavy-set white male, 35 years of age, standing 5'11" (180 cm) and weighing 225 pounds (101 kg).

He has long, straight dark brown hair and hazel eyes.

The forest fire hazard currently is “moderate" to "extreme” across the Northwest Region.

The recent warming trend has seen the fire hazard continue to rise, especially in the western portion of the region.

As such, people are urged to use caution when venturing into forested areas.

Students at Fort Frances High School enjoyed a lively game of beach volleyball yesterday at a barbecue hosted by the Student Leadership Council to celebrate the 2016-17 school year coming to a close. Students also enjoyed basketball, soccer, and hotdogs and chips as a snack.

Micaela Jensen, left, and Kathy Treflin tried out the new interactive programming that launched yesterday evening during an invite-only reception for museum supporters, council members, and town management. Museum patrons of all ages now can experience local history in a whole new way using tablet computers.

Jim Hudson, left, chatted with Sight & Sound owner Derek Jackson during the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce's “Business After Hours" event yesterday evening at the newly-renovated Scott Street business.

Elaine Fischer, health promoter at the Northwestern Health Unit here, set up stencils for a healthy living hopscotch to be spray-painted at Robert Moore School. The hop scotch promotes the “5-2-1-0” rule to students, in which children are urged to have zero sugary drinks, one hour of active play, less than two hours of screen time, and five fruits or vegetables every day.

Secondary school valedictorian Marc Morrisseau gave a thankful speech to his fellow classmates during the Seven Generations Education Institute's annual graduation ceremony yesterday at the Memorial Sports Centre. Some 31 students received their Ontario Secondary School Diploma while many others earned post-secondary certificates, diplomas, and degrees.

WASHINGTON—Canada's premiers have left a series of meetings in Washington expressing hope the upcoming renegotiation of NAFTA will be quick and relatively pain-free, rather than a drawn-out bargaining slugfest.

KENORA, Ont.—A Northwestern Ontario MP says a state of emergency has been declared in Eabametoong First Nation following a fire near the community's water purification plant's reservoir.

Bob Nault, who represents the Kenora area, said the water supply in the First Nation of about 1,000 has been contaminated due to Tuesday's fire.

TORONTO—Workers at the Liquor Control Board of Ontario could go on strike just days before the Canada Day long weekend.

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union requested a “no board” report from the Ministry of Labour, which sets a strike deadline of 12:01 a.m. on June 26.

VICTORIA—A female deer on southern Vancouver Island is expected to be fine after conservation officers removed an arrow from its head.

Officers spotted the doe yesterday and tracked it to Maple Bay, north of Victoria, before catching and tranquilizing it.

LONDON—British Prime Minister Theresa May's gamble in calling an early election backfired spectacularly as her Conservative Party lost its majority in Parliament, throwing British politics into chaos.

The shock result could send Britain's negotiations to leave the European Union—due to start June 19—into disarray.

The pound lost more than two cents against the U.S. dollar.

PITTSBURGH—Only 91 seconds had elapsed in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup final and already Sidney Crosby had accomplished so much.

The Penguins' captain slashed through the Nashville defence on his first shift, drew a penalty, and then set up Justin Schultz for the first goal in a 6-0 thumping last night.

SEATTLE—Robinson Cano regularly makes the difficult look routine.

So when Seattle's star and one of the best defensive second basemen in baseball makes two errors on one play, it's a shocking moment.

“I should've made that play, I've made that play before,” Cano noted.

“It's part of the game.”

OTTAWA—Hamilton Tiger-Cats' coach Kent Austin didn't worry about wins or losses last night, which was a good thing.

Ray Early kicked a 37-yard field goal with 68 seconds left to give the Ottawa Redblacks a 30-29 win over the Tiger-Cats, who had a nine-point lead with six minutes to go.

WASHINGTON—U.S. President Donald Trump today broke his silence on Twitter following explosive testimony by fired FBI Director James Comey, declaring “total and complete vindication.”

Trump, who had not posted on his Twitter account since Comey accused the administration of spreading “lies," struck back with an early-morning tweet in which he said, "Wow, Comey is a leaker.”

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Friday broke his silence on Twitter following explosive testimony by fired FBI Director James Comey, declaring “total and complete vindication.”

Trump, who had not posted on his Twitter account since Comey accused the administration of spreading “lies,” struck back with an early morning tweet in which he said, “Wow, Comey is a leaker.”

LONDON — British Prime Minister Theresa May’s gamble in calling an early election backfired spectacularly as her Conservative Party lost its majority in Parliament, throwing British politics into chaos.

UK media, citing sources they did not identify, reported early Friday that May has no intention of resigning despite calls for her to step down.

LONDON — The pound fell sharply after an exit poll in Britain’s election forecast that the Conservatives would fall short of a majority in parliament, raising the prospect that the country might not have a clear winner or strong government as it starts its negotiations to leave the European Union.

Beef ribs are all the rage in the barbecue world these days.

I first saw beef ribs 20 years ago in Nassau, Bahamas. Looking for the best local food, I asked a taxi driver to take me to his favourite restaurant. He took me to a barbecue shack way off the tourist path and introduced me to the finest plate of beef ribs that up to that time I had ever eaten.

The “Walk for Alzheimer's” is slated for Saturday, June 10 along the La Verendrye Parkway. Registration begins at 10 a.m. at the Sorting Gap Marina, with a warm-up to follow at 10:45. The walks will begin at 11 a.m., followed by a barbecue. To register and start fundraising, visit www.walkforalzheimers.ca

Cam Lidkea and Averi King were among the Fort High couples who took part in the Grand March at the Townshend Theatre on Saturday night as part of Prom 2017. This year's Grand March was held after the dinner, which took place at the Copper River Inn. Students once again also staged a march at Rainycrest earlier in the day.

—Photo by Piper Lidkea

Todd Wood was among the Fort Frances Power Corp. crew members who donated their time and expertise to hang flower baskets along King's Highway last week as part of the annual “Project Petunia" initiative. A total of 50 hanging baskets featuring red-and-white petunias have been put up thanks to community donors. "Project Petunia” is run by the Rainy River Future Development Corp.

A group set out on a 5K walk along the waterfront here Saturday as part of the Alzheimer Society of Kenora-Rainy River Districts' annual “Walk for Alzheimer's.” The event, which started and ended at the Sorting Gap Marina, brought in an impressive $10,060. A second group set out simultaneously in the opposite direction to complete a two-km walk.

OTTAWA—A court hearing begins today that will determine how long grievously-ill Canadians must wait to find out if their right to a medically-assisted death has been violated by the federal government's restrictive approach to the issue.

TORONTO—A federal New Democrat has lost his bid to force his way into the race to replace Tom Mulcair as party leader, but the wider ramifications might be the judge's ruling that the inner workings of Canada's political parties are not immune to court scrutiny.

OTTAWA—A national coalition of anti-poverty groups is asking the Trudeau government to boost the basic amount it provides in child benefits in hopes of cutting child poverty rates in Canada in half by the end of the decade.

PARIS—As he sat in front of a TV to watch last year's French Open final, sidelined by an injured left wrist, Rafael Nadal had no way to know for sure, of course, that he would return to the height of his powers.

For the second time in a row, the most important match at the most important clay-court tournament was being contested without him.

OTTAWA—New Democrats are proposing a change to parliamentary rules aimed at ensuring only non-partisan individuals become the independent watchdogs who oversee crucial activities such as government spending, ethics, lobbying, and federal elections.

AKULIVIK, Que.—A woman who saw police fatally shoot a man suspected of killing three people in this northern Quebec village says she hasn't been able to sleep since Saturday's incident.

Meeko Aliqu said she ran outside of her home after her 17-year-old son told her there had been a stabbing, and witnessed the confrontation between the police officers and the 19-year-old suspect.

TORONTO—Ontario is offering public servants a four-year contract extension with 7.5-percent raises, which would avoid possibly contentious bargaining before the next provincial election.

The roughly 35,500 public-sector workers and correctional staff represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union are set to vote on ratification June 20-22.

LONG POND, Pa.—Ryan Blaney was stationed in “Victory Lane” with a headset on as a guest pit reporter just the day before at Pocono Raceway.

But to get there again, on his own in the No. 21 Ford, he'd have to zip past a pair of hardened NASCAR champions with just 10 laps left.

SEATTLE—Over three days that felt more like home games, the Toronto Blue Jays got depth from its starting pitching and, of course, another handful of home runs to find themselves back on the cusp of finally reaching the break-even mark.

OAKLAND, Calif.—A year ago for Game 5 of the NBA Finals, Golden State general manager Bob Myers sat alongside suspended forward Draymond Green next-door to Oracle Arena in a suite at the Oakland Athletics' game.

Myers told Green: Let's not do this again.

MEMPHIS, Tenn.—The first few shots of Daniel Berger's final round didn't give much clue that his second-straight victory at the St. Jude Classic was only a few hours away.

He hit his drive on No. 1 into the rough, sent his next shot into the rough far past the hole, and then his third shot was a chip that didn't even make it to the green.

EDMONTON—Stampeders' head coach Dave Dickenson liked what he saw in his Canadian quarterback's late-game poise.

Calgary native Andrew Buckley ran in one touchdown, and passed for another in the fourth quarter, as the Stampeders finished pre-season play with a perfect 2-0 record—defeating the Edmonton Eskimos 36-35 yesterday after Edmonton failed a late two-point convert attempt.

NASHVILLE—Sidney Crosby is bringing the Stanley Cup back home to Pittsburgh for a second-straight year.

He's bringing another MVP trophy, too.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Puerto Ricans got the chance Sunday to tell the U.S. Congress whether they want to become the 51st state in a vote that took place on a U.S. territory mired in an economic crisis that has triggered an exodus of islanders to the mainland.

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — An elephant that was part of a Sri Lankan Buddhist procession attacked and killed a monk, police said Monday.

LONDON — Britain’s Foreign Office has advice for Britons visiting the Spanish island of Mallorca: Don’t bellyache unless you really have a bellyache.

The official warning follows what a rash of reports about people making questionable claims about food poisoning and the arrest of one person who may have made a false claim.

It’s summer in the Barbecue Belt of America, where the smell of slow-burning hickory never quite fades. In other regions, wood-smoking is left to the professionals because the technique is thought to be too challenging, time-consuming, and just overall intimidating for the home cook.

Three new fires were reported in the Northwest Region between June 8 and yesterday afternoon.

They were small fires that responded to FireRanger crew efforts in the districts of Fort Frances, Kenora, and Red Lake.

The forest fire hazard was expected to range from “high" to "extreme” in the western sectors of the region today.

Confederation College students at the Rainy River District campus awaited their diplomas and certificates during last night's convocation at the Townshend Theatre. Some 35 graduating students from nine different programs made their way across the stage during the ceremony, which also celebrated the 50th year since the college began in Thunder Bay.

Will Derksen wasn't against using the tools of the trade to pull off this shot during a snooker tournament being held at the Sister Kennedy Centre earlier today. Derksen took on Les Baker in one of the first games of the eight-man event.

SAINTE-BRIGITTE-DES-SAULTS, Que.—Quebec provincial police say the deaths of three people at a nudist campsite 125 km northeast of Montreal appear to have been a double murder followed by a suicide.

The victims have been identified as Suzanne Gareau, 50, Rodrigue Tremblay, 77, and Denys Carpentier, 76.

VANCOUVER—Animal advocates say they have opened an investigation into “absolutely sickening” alleged animal abuse by a chicken-catching service in Chilliwack, B.C.

OTTAWA—Canada no longer can pretend it is a country rich with pristine lakes and rivers, the World Wildlife Fund said yesterday in a report into the country's waterways.

OTTAWA—The new national child care deal the Liberal government has signed with the provinces might not be a universal program, but Families minister Jean-Yves Duclos said it could make way for one later down the road.

OTTAWA—Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin is stepping down from the Supreme Court of Canada in December after 28 years on the court, including almost 18 years as chief.

McLachlin, 74, is the first woman to hold the top job on the high court and also is Canada's longest-serving chief justice.

NEW YORK — The global obesity problem now affects 1 in 10 people in the world, it is rising in countries rich and poor, and in many countries it is increasing faster in children than adults, according to a new study.

The researchers estimated more than 107 million children and 603 million adults are obese.

The Toronto Blue Jays had watched Logan Warmoth progress from a teenager who went undrafted out of high school three years ago to a top-ranked shortstop in the NCAA this season.

MINNEAPOLIS—Having Mitch Haniger batting high in the lineup again ought to be a lift for the Seattle Mariners in this up-and-down season.

The names hardly mattered with the way they were hitting at Minnesota last night.

ERIN, Wis.—Remember last year, when Henrik Stenson and Phil Mickelson played a round for the ages—trading birdies and spectacular shots until Stenson finally came away with the British Open title?

The U.S. Open won't be like that.

First off, barring a long rain delay on Thursday, Mickelson will be absent to attend his daughter's high school graduation.

OAKLAND, Calif.—As a fresh NBA champions cap sat a tad off-kilter on his head, Kevin Durant embraced his mother, Wanda.

Then he moved across the podium and hugged Stephen Curry before accepting his shiny MVP trophy—holding out his arms and hoisting it for everyone to see.

From the Bay all the way to OKC.

CHICAGO — It sounds futuristic: drones carrying heart defibrillators swooping in to help bystanders revive people stricken by cardiac arrest.

Researchers tested the idea and found drones arrived at the scene of 18 cardiac arrests within about 5 minutes of launch. That was almost 17 minutes faster on average than ambulances a big deal for a condition where minutes mean life or death.

PARIS — Researchers have found a troubling new form of power grid-wrecking software, tying the discovery to a recent Ukrainian blackout in tworeports published Monday.

The malicious software has the ability to remotely sabotage circuit breakers, switches and protection relays, the reports say, a nightmare scenario for those charged with keeping the lights on.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska—Rapid global warming has sped up the movement of sea ice off Alaska's coasts and already at-risk polar bears are paying a price, a new U.S. study says.

GREECE, N.Y.—Gov. Andrew Cuomo again is blasting the U.S.-Canadian panel that controls the outflow of water from Lake Ontario, saying the agency bears much of the blame for flooding in New York's lakeside communities.

“I think they pulled the trigger too late” on increasing outflow, Cuomo said today in the Rochester suburb of Greece.

SEATTLE — Ken Shefveland’s body was swollen with cancer, treatment after treatment failing until doctors gambled on a radical approach: They removed some of his immune cells, engineered them into cancer assassins and unleashed them into his bloodstream.

San Francisco is marking the 50th anniversary of the legendary “Summer of Love,” when throngs of American youth descended on the city to join a cultural revolution.

This is a Mediterranean twist on a classic Middle Eastern bulgur wheat salad, with very approachable flavours. It can be served as a side dish or a main course, and even as part of a creative appetizer or meze spread.

It’s also a great portable dish, perfect for bringing to a potluck or serving outside for a Fourth of July get-together.

Throughout The Maritimes, the traditional entree of choice for dinner on Dominion Daywas salmon served with a side of peas. This happy pairing capitalized on the region’s seasonal bounty it just so happened that the salmon were running and fresh peas were at their peak.

Sometimes I just crave a big serving of. green beans. You too, right?

Who will be the 2017 Mini-King and Mini-Queen?

Registration now is open for this year's mini-king and mini-queen contest, which will take place July 1 at 1 p.m. on the “Fun in the Sun” stage at Point Park.

Organizer Melissa Gushulak noted the contest is open to boys and girls aged four-seven (as of July 1).

She will accept five boys and five girls for the contest.

Ontario Savings Bonds (OSBs) are on sale until June 21—a safe, secure, and flexible investment fully backed by the province.

OSBs help people across the province invest in their communities.

Funds raised support infrastructure projects such as new hospitals, schools, roads, and bridges.

A wealth of local history literally is at patrons' fingertips at the Fort Frances Museum.

The museum launched its new interactive programming during a reception for museum supporters and volunteers, as well as town management staff and council members, last Thursday evening.

Work is on schedule at the future Rainy Lake Square.

In a report to town council Monday night, Operations and Facilities manager Travis Rob said new storm sewer catch basins have been installed on Scott Street, with the storm sewer lateral now on-site and being tied into the additional catch basins.

Community. What does this word mean for us?

A sense of belonging? Shared responsibilities and values?

A place of refuge? A place to grow and prosper? A place to listen to and also view our planet?

We share this land, this community, the Rainy River District. All of us living on this land are treaty people, both indigenous and non-indigenous.

A local company is asking permission from town council to use the waterways, public docks, and beaches surrounding the town for the operation of its water sports business.

Ontario residents are reminded to protect themselves from tick bites, especially when participating in outdoor activities during the warm summer months.

Black-legged ticks settle on grass and bushes until they attach themselves to a person or animal.

Ticks can infect humans with Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases.

Town council doesn't need to strike a new health-care services committee because it already is doing its fair share to provide input into the delivery of health-care services and doctor recruitment here.

The drive to have Fort Frances become an “Age Friendly Community” is able to take another step forward.

Over the past year, a committee of volunteers and stakeholders, under the co-ordination of Ian Simpson, gathered information on what the public feels needs to be done if the town wants to be an “Age Friendly Community” and developed an action plan.

There's a new online community hub serving Fort Frances and Rainy River District.

Going by both fortfrances.com and rainyriverdistrict.com, the recently-revamped website—built and hosted by the Fort Frances Times—is a mobile-friendly portal that features a community event calendar where anyone can post their upcoming activities and happenings.

The Rainy River District School Board honoured its retirees during its final regular board meeting of the 2016-17 school year here last Tuesday evening.

Anne Cox, Paul Elliott, Gregery Scott, Gary Broman, Lloyd Lovelace, Rod Enns, Kim Basaraba, and Cam Keast all were recognized as retiring this spring.

Susan Sieders and Maureen Hahkala also retired this year.

The annual “Walk for Alzheimer's” here Saturday was one to remember, raising a whopping $10,060.

This is the most the local event, which first started here in 2003, has ever raised.

Nearly 50 walkers gathered at the Sorting Gap Marina that morning—relieved to see the ominous dark clouds had shifted westward and made way for sunshine.

The $34.5-million municipal budget for 2017 received final approval from town council Monday night, with bills to be sent out at the end of this month.

This was a tough budget year for the town due to reassessment by the province's Municipal Property Assessment Corp.

Northern Community Development Services (NCDS) is seeking participants aged 15-18 for its Youth Job Connection summer program.

The goal of the program is to take youths who are returning to high school in the fall, or going on to post-secondary education, that do not have a summer job and have barriers preventing them from finding one.

Thirty-five graduates walked across the Townshend Theatre stage on Monday to receive their diploma or certificate—and celebrate—during convocation ceremonies for Confederation College's Rainy River District campus.

The celebrations weren't all for the students, though, as the college also received plenty of recognition for being in its 50th year since its beginning in Thunder Bay.

Thirty-one secondary school and 66 Apprenticeship, Essential Skills, and Post-Secondary School graduates were honoured at the Seven Generations Education Institute's 26th-annual graduation ceremony here last Thursday.

Martha Gerber once again will be saying goodbye to this area as she returns to the country of her birth.

But this time, she's planning a more permanent stay there.

Gerber is planning to fly to Switzerland in August following her marriage to a Swiss man, Daniel Fenner, planned for June 24.

Cornell Farms in La Vallee will present its first barn concert of 2017 on Thursday, July 13 starting at 7:30 p.m.

The talented Keith Macpherson and Renee Lamoureux will play a variety of music—featuring their strong voices while swinging their guitars.

There were more winners in the Rainy River District Mutual Aid Association's weekly cash calendar draw.

Winning $30 for June 11-17 were Deb Courchene (Ignace), Justin Taylor (Fort Frances), Randy and Cathy DeGagne (Fort Frances), Kathy McNabb (Stratton), Guy and Brenda Johnston (Fort Frances), Stephanie Kozlowski (Stratton), and Allan LaRocque (Stratton).

The Emo and District Lions Club will be holding a fish fry this Saturday (June 17) at the Barwick Hall.

“Happy Hour” will be from 5-6 p.m., with a fantastic fish dinner to follow. There also will be a penny table, pie roulette, picture booth, and a door prize.

Tickets, which are available from all club members and at Cloverleaf, cost $25 each, with kids under eight being free.

The grand opening of the Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls Moving Gallery will be held next Wednesday (June 21) at the Northern Ontario Sportfishing Centre in Sioux Narrows.

The event will run from 3-5 p.m., with people invited to view the tiny studio full of original works of literary, audio, visual, and interactive art.

White Lightning discovered the “Wright” stuff when it needed to most.

Evan Wright scored his fourth goal of the game 15 seconds into overtime to give White Lightning an 11-10 victory over Banana Splits in Game 2 of their best-of-three UNFC Champions Cup age seven-nine division lacrosse series Monday at the '52 Canadians Arena.

The more they play together, the better they get—and they almost were good enough to beat the defending league champs.

Just one bad inning prevented the Fort Frances Angels from pulling off an upset over the Fort Frances Her-icanes, who hung on for an 11-7 win in Rainy River District Women's Fastball League action Monday evening at VanJura here.

Tanner Smith has a chance to be at the top of his class someday.

But the road between now and then is filled with hard lessons for the inexperienced.

The young Northwest Bay Chieftains' pitcher got one of those lessons Sunday from the visiting Barwick Blue Knights, who cruised to a 25-1 victory in a makeup game.

Offence was hard to come by for CJ Contracting in its first two games, but that seemed hard to believe Monday night.

Five different goal scorers bulged the twine to help CJ (1-2) to a 5-3 win over Pharmasave in Borderland Soccer League men's division action.

Caleb Koomans, Kevin Metke, Ian Jodoin, Connor Bujold, and Joey Angus each tallied once for CJ.

Rainy River High School held its annual awards banquet last Wednesday to honour its elite performers both in athletics and other areas.

During the sports part of the evening, Bethany Sinninghe and Lemuel Carradice were named the senior female and male athletes of the year.

With three seasons of experience competing in the junior circuit, Josh Gouin is ready to play a pivotal role for the Waldorf University hockey team.

Gouin, a six-foot, 194-pound defenceman from Fort Frances, signed a letter of intent with the Warriors on 2017.

“Josh is a very skilled defenceman who will help us immediately,” Waldorf coach Brett Shelanski said.

When building a foundation, any good architect knows to put the biggest, strongest blocks down first.

Fort Frances Lakers' head coach and general manager Wayne Strachan is following that philosophy with one of his first two recruits for the upcoming 2017-18 SIJHL season.

It was another game of “Chase The Ace" at the Emo Speedway on Saturday night, with Jamie Davis starring as the "ace.”

Right now, the Devlin driver is playing with a completely different deck of cards than anyone else after winning both the WISSOTA Modifieds and Midwest Modifieds feature races for the second-straight week.

Here is the complete list of Muskie athletic award winners from this past year:

The two best parts for Brandon Croswell about having his dad sharing the motocross track with him this year as a competitor for the first time?

“When he wipes out and when I pass him [in practice],” chuckled the 12-year-old about family patriarch Trevor Croswell.

“I'm not racing in the same category as him because I don't want him to cry,” he added.

Mike Cuzzolino's strongest wish as head coach of the Muskie football team is to turn around a program in tatters.

But it's more than a one-man job (or even a 15-man) job.

Blake Carlson answered Sarah Mueller's questions about the digital TV service that will be provided here thanks to Tbaytel “Fibre" during the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce's "Business After Hours" event Thursday evening at Sight & Sound.

Sydney Little-Ward was smiling as she received her Personal Support Worker Ontario College Certificate from Confederation College president Jim Madder at the convocation ceremony Monday in the Townshend Theatre. Some 35 graduates attended the ceremony that also celebrated the 50th anniversary since the college's beginning in Thunder Bay.

Noah Vanderaa and Emma Morris (above left) endured the gusty conditions to pose at Seven Oaks on Saturday afternoon prior to attending Fort High's annual prom. Meanwhile, Brett Hahkala and Joleigh Hayes were all smiles as they participated in the grand march that evening, which this year followed the dinner at the Copper River Inn.

Merv Ahrens, left, showed Coun. Wendy Brunetta and Debbie Ballard, chair of the museum advisory committee, samples of images from his forthcoming book on pioneer photographer William Hampden Tener during last Thursday's reception.

The new interactive programming at the museum—accessible through stations with fixed 18.4-inch tablet computers like this one or through smaller, portable tablets—is both informative and easy-to-use.

Ellen Gagne got an early start barbecuing hamburgers Saturday morning in advance of the annual “Walk for Alzheimer's.” This was the third-straight year she's volunteered to help feed hungry walkers after the event.

The revamped version of fortfrances.com includes exciting new features like a community calendar, to which anyone ca add their upcoming events.

After getting its music program up and running earlier this year, the Rainy River High School band, including student Robyn Johnson (seen here playing the trumpet), performed its first concert there last Tuesday, along with special guests the Borderland Community Orchestra. .

Martha Gerber was smiling on her last day of work at Safeway here at the end of April because it was the beginning of a new stage in her life. She will wed a Swiss man this summer before heading to live in Switzerland—the country where Gerber was born and emigrated from when she was five years old.

The “Memory Wall," where participants could post photos or the names of the loved ones they were walking for, was full at Saturday's "Walk for Alzheimer's” here.

Gloria Bunn stopped to pose after receiving her Culinary Skills Chef Certificate at the Seven Generations Education Institute's graduation ceremony Thursday afternoon at the Memorial Sports Centre.

Adriana Lesk, Jada Boshey, Serena Cousineau, and Monica Empey struck a silly pose for the “Fish Fry Finale” at Crossroads School in Devlin on Thursday. The event, which also celebrated the 20th anniversary of the school, featured a slideshow presentation of years past, as well as baseball, jigging, Bingo, and draws.

Sudden strong winds gusted up to 80 km/h yesterday afternoon, knocking down trees at Point Park and elsewhere, including this one across from the Fort Frances Cemetery that temporarily blocked one lane of King's Highway. Hydro One reported about 1,200 district residents—both east and west of Fort Frances—lost power yesterday and as many as 700 still didn't have power as of this morning.

Hailey Bombay of the Crossroads Tornadoes, left, and Gregory Peters from the Sturgeon Creek Alternative Program Knights went stride for stride down the homestretch of the Grade 6 relay race that concluded the Rainy River District Athletic Association's west-end track-and-field meet on Thursday at Riverview School in Rainy River. See story, more photos on B6.

Among the Owls honoured during the school's year-end awards banquet last Wednesday were, from left, Paige Anderson (junior female athlete of the year), Lemuel Carradice (senior male athlete of the year), Asher Chorney (Gold Jacket recipient), Bethany Sinninghe (senior female athlete of the year), and Jackson Arpin (junior male athlete of the year).

—Submitted by Rebecca Tolen

Organizations across Canada and the U.S., including the David Suzuki Foundation, the Broadbent Institute, and Canadian Journalists for Free Expression, are calling on Resolute Forest Products to drop its multi-million-dollar lawsuits aimed at silencing Greenpeace and Stand.earth in a newspaper ad appearing in Le Devoir and The Ottawa Citizen.

Shortly before 2 a.m. on Monday, a member of the Rainy River District OPP observed a traffic-related infraction in the area of Airport Road in Atikokan.

The officer tried to stop vehicle but it fled, and the officer did not pursue.

The vehicle was located a short time later and an investigation was conducted.

It was determined to be stolen.

One new fire was confirmed in the Northwest Region by yesterday afternoon.

Red Lake Fire #12, located near Florin Lake, has been declared “out” at 0.1 hectares in size.

Three fires were confirmed in the region Tuesday.

Red Lake Fire #11, located in Woodland Caribou Provincial Park, has been re-mapped to a size of 18 ha.

Yesterday around 4:15 a.m., members of the Ignace OPP were called to a residence to investigate an assault complaint.

Officers recognized one of the occupants of the residence to be a person wanted on a Canada-wide warrant held by the Calgary Police Service.

William Kincade-Miller, 28, of Calgary was arrested and taken into custody.

On Tuesday, the OPP was contacted by Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service to assist with a sudden death investigation in North Spirit Lake First Nation.

Earlier that day, NAPS had been contacted regarding a two-year-old female who had been brought into the nursing station and subsequently was pronounced dead.

She was identified as Aria Rose Rae from North Spirit First Nation.

The Manitou T-Birdies could have been forgiven for thinking they spent the first inning in Florida rather than on their home field because they had to face one Her-icane after another.

A mammoth 15-run opening frame was all the defending champion Fort Frances Heri-canes needed en route to a 29-10 rout of the T-Birdies in Rainy River District Women's Fastball League action last night.

Clean-up has started at Point Park, where numerous trees were uprooted by the strong winds that hit the area Tuesday afternoon. Meanwhile, some residents in the Morson area reportedly still were without power as of this morning in the aftermath of Tuesday's stormy weather.

Six members of the Fort Frances Kiwanis Club joined with six employees of the Royal Bank of Canada on Saturday morning to clean discarded garbage from the riverbank around the lower river boat launch ramp. Several family members also helped so many bags of cans, bottles, and wrappers were picked up and placed in the handy garbage receptacles.

Jeff Gustafson with a bass he caught while pre-fishing on the Potomac River earlier this week.

OTTAWA—Leading medical experts say legalizing cannabis may offer new hope to one day reduce the use of opioids—powerful drugs frequently prescribed for the treatment of pain.

Dr. Mark Ware, a globally-recognized researcher and the vice-chair of the federal government's task force on legalizing marijuana, says a legal framework for cannabis will help to facilitate further research.

MONTREAL—Nicole Gladu wants to die at home, surrounded by friends, with a glass of rose champagne in one hand and a canape of foie gras in the other.

And now the former journalist and trade unionist, who slowly is being robbed of her ability to function because of complications from childhood polio, is fighting the Quebec and Canadian governments for that chance.

OTTAWA—A increase in asylum claims in Canada eventually could mean a staggering 11-year wait for a hearing and $2.97 billion in federal social supports for claimants in the meantime, an internal government analysis has concluded.

The Immigration and Refugee Board already is trying to whittle down its current backlog, but received no new money in the latest federal budget.

CALGARY—Police have charged a 42-year-old Calgary man for allegedly filming women for at least five years without their knowledge and posting their images to a Twitter account called “Canada Creep.”

S/Sgt. Cory Dayley said Calgary police received a complaint Monday about the photos and videos—some shot up the skirts of unsuspecting women.

OTTAWA—Ontario MP Charlie Angus is urging the public safety minister to launch an RCMP investigation into the deaths of two indigenous teenagers in Thunder Bay.

In a letter to Ralph Goodale released yesterday, Angus said 70 First Nations' leaders also have asked the Mounties to take a closer look at what happened to 17-year-old Tammy Keeash and 14-year-old Josiah Begg.

OTTAWA—The military quietly has expanded its footprint in Ukraine, giving commanders free rein to send their troops anywhere—except where they might run into Russian forces or separatist rebels.

Canada first deployed about 200 troops to Ukraine in the summer of 2015 to help train government forces in their fight against Russian-backed separatists in the eastern part of the country.

TORONTO — Canadian merchants may soon start charging customers extra to pay with certain credit cards thanks to a settlement agreement in a class action suit.

OTTAWA — Homeowners with variable rate mortgages losing sleep over the increased chatter about a potential interest rate hike by the Bank of Canada should consider locking their rates in now, mortgage experts say.

James Laird, co-founder of interest rate-comparison website RateHub, says in order to stick with the variable option you need to be able to handle fluctuating rates.

ERIN, Wis.—Phil Mickelson withdrew from the U.S. Open a little more than an hour after the sun climbed over Erin Hills, realizing there was no chance to get from his daughter's high school graduation in California and make his Thursday afternoon tee time in Wisconsin.

This is the first time Mickelson has missed the U.S. Open since he failed to qualify in 1993.

TORONTO—The Toronto Blue Jays didn't wait long to respond after Joe Smith blew his first save of the season last night.

Tampa Bay scored three runs off the Toronto reliever to tie the game in the eighth inning.

But Russell Martin then led off the bottom half of the frame with a tie-breaking solo shot to help the Jays to a 7-6 victory.

WASHINGTON—The Atlanta Braves had dropped three-straight games before this week's series against the Washington Nationals.

That only makes their rare series victory against the defending NL East champs even sweeter.

Julio Teheran earned his third-consecutive victory, and Kurt Suzuki homered, as Atlanta dumped Washington 13-2 yesterday to take two of three from the Nationals.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Typewriter enthusiasts gather at an Albuquerque restaurant to experiment with vintage Smith Coronas. Fans in Boston kneel in a city square and type stories about their lives during a pro-immigration demonstration. A documentary on typewriters featuring Tom Hanks and musician John Mayer is set for release this summer.

YOKOSUKA, Japan — A Japanese industrial group unveiled Thursday a swimming robot designed for underwater probes of damage from meltdowns at the Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear plant after the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

ALEXANDRIA, Va.—The business of the House was resuming a day after a rifle-wielding attacker opened fire on Republican lawmakers practising for a charity baseball game, critically wounding House GOP Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana and hitting aides and Capitol police.

LONDON—British Prime Minister Theresa May has ordered a full public inquiry into the high-rise apartment blaze that killed at least 17 people in London amid growing public anxiety about whether similar blazes could occur in other housing blocks around the country.

WASHINGTON — The special counsel appointed to investigate Russian influence in the 2016 presidential campaign is now examining whether President Donald Trump tried to obstruct justice, The Washington Post reported Wednesday evening.

SEOUL, Korea, Republic Of — North Korea says it released an American university student over what it calls humanitarian reasons in its first official comment since he was returned to his home state of Ohio in a coma.

The state-run Korean Central News Agency on Thursday said Otto Warmbier had been sentenced to hard labour but didn’t comment on his medical condition.

WASHINGTON — A clear majority of Americans believe President Donald Trump has tried to interfere with the investigation into Russia’s alleged election meddling and possible Trump campaign collusion, a new poll shows. Just one in five support his decision to oust James Comey from the FBI.

NEW YORK — They’re homeless, but a group of men and women from Texas has made it to Carnegie Hall.

The storied New York City concert hall was the venue Wednesday evening for a performance by the Dallas Street Choir, all singers recruited from urban streets and homeless shelters who’ve been performing since 2015.

WASHINGTON The Chinese government systematically dismantled a CIA spying operations in China starting in late 2010 and killed or imprisoned at least a dozen CIA sources over the next two years, The New York Times reported Saturday.

BUCHAREST, Romania — Britain’s defence minister says Russian aggression toward NATO is increasing and the alliance was right to have agreed to a “very high readiness taskforce.”

Generations of Americans have grown up heralding meat and potatoes as the classic dinner of choice. Who doesn’t love the taste of that time-honoured combination, filling our bellies with the comfort of a juicy, fatty steak and fluffy, carby spuds? Just thinking about it is enough to make us pine for the 1950s when this was considered a healthy meal.

The local “Fun in the Sun” committee keeps coming up with fun events leading up to Canada's 150th birthday, including an outdoor Zumba class tomorrow (June 17).

Jenna Nowak, of Zumba with Jenna, will lead the class starting at 4 p.m. at the Point Park office to help raise funds for the Canada Day celebration here in two weeks.

An article in yesterday's Daily Bulletin about an upcoming planning meeting for the 2018 OFSAA boys' and girls' curling championships incorrectly listed Sheri Payne's phone number as 275-8501.

In fact, it should have read 275-5801.

The Times regrets any confusion or inconvenience this error may have caused.

Members of the OPP's Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau and North West Region Emergency Response Team, with assistance from the Treaty #3 Police Service, executed a search warrant yesterday at a Couchiching First Nation residence.

In executing the warrant, a quantity of crystal methamphetamine and stolen property was seized.

Britainee Kellar, left, and her son, Connor, enjoyed strawberry shortcake and a nice chat with her grandmother—and Connor's great-grandmother—Betty Batiuk, during the annual “Strawberry Social" yesterday afternoon at La Verendrye Hospital.

Kali McCormick of the Crossroads Tornadoes wasn't about to give a free shooting lane to her J.W. Walker Wildcats #3 opponent during the Rainy River District Athletic Association's Grade 2/3 soccer showcase yesterday at the St. Francis Sports Field here. Teams from Robert Moore and St.

Ian Tookenay was swinging for the fences in an effort to get the Sight & Sound Wolves back on even ground against the host Barwick Blue Knights in Rainy River District Fastball League action yesterday evening. But Tookenay's hard one-hopper to pitcher JJ Landry was the final out of Barwick's 4-3 victory over the defending champs.

WINNIPEG—Residents of four Manitoba First Nations displaced by flooding in 2011 have settled a class-action lawsuit with the province and federal government.

Flooding six years ago forced out several thousand residents from Lake St. Martin, Dauphin River, Little Saskatchewan, and Pinaymootang First Nations—some hpf whom have not returned home to this day.

TORONTO—Ontario's doctors, who have been without a physician services agreement for three years, are set to vote this weekend on a tentative deal that would send contract disputes with the government to binding arbitration.

OTTAWA—One of the navy's four submarines was hit by another naval vessel yesterday while docked at CFB Esquimalt in British Columbia.

A naval spokesman said HMCS Chicoutimi was docked in the harbour when an Orca-class training vessel that was moving at low speed bumped up against the sub.

Navy Lt. Greg Menzies said no one was injured.

WINNIPEG—There is word the Canadian Coast Guard will continue to patrol the shores of Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba and Lake of the Woods in Ontario.

The union representing coast guard crews and search-and-rescue specialists announced yesterday the federal government has reversed a decision to close the service in these areas.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.—Typewriter enthusiasts gather at an Albuquerque restaurant to experiment with vintage Smith Coronas.

Fans in Boston kneel in a city square and type stories about their lives during a pro-immigration demonstration.

A documentary on typewriters featuring Tom Hanks and musician John Mayer is set for release this summer.

LAUSANNE, Switzerland — Fast-food chain McDonald’s has ended its Olympic sponsorship deal three years early.

The International Olympic Committee says confidential financial terms of the immediate separation were agreed to.

IOC marketing director Timo Lumme says “we understand that McDonald’s is looking to focus on different business priorities.”

ERIN, Wis.—Erin Hills played like a pushover for a U.S. Open.

Check out the score of Rickie Fowler yesterday, who matched the U.S. Open scoring record to par for the opening round with a seven-under 65.

Right behind him were 43 other players who broke par—snapping a championship record that had stood for 27 years.

NEW YORK—Bryce Harper hammered this home run so sweetly, it sailed over the head of Mets' right-fielder Jay Bruce—twice.

“I think that's the hardest ball I've ever hit in my life,” Harper said.

Harper and the Washington Nationals battered New York from the start—romping to an 8-3 victory and reversing a recent slide by the NL East leaders.

WINNIPEG—A tie usually is nothing to cheer about, but the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Edmonton Eskimos saw the positives after they played to a 38-38 finish in their final pre-season game last night.

In Winnipeg's first pre-season game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders back on June 10, the game ended in a 25-25 tie.

No overtime is played in the CFL pre-season.

MINNEAPOLIS—After going deep twice in a game for the first time in his big-league career, Chris Gimenez still has more mop-up relief appearances this season than home runs.

Wait, maybe the Minnesota Twins have this whole thing backward with their back-up catcher.

Motocross racing will be held June 17-18 at the EMX track located northwest of Emo (weather permitting). Rider registration is from 7-9 a.m., with practice from 9-11 a.m. and then the first race at 11 a.m. each day. A canteen also will be available. Admission is $10, with kids four and under being free. For more info, visit www.emomotocross.com

The company installing the new multi-use tennis courts here have been playing catch-up, but hope to make significant net gains this week if the weather co-operates.

Community Services manager Jason Kabel said he is “cautiously optimistic” the courts, located at the St. Francis Sports Field, will be completed by this Friday, with the public able to use them by the weekend.

No new fires were reported in the Northwest Region by yesterday afternoon.

There remains one active fire in the region, Red Lake Fire #11, which currently is listed as “under control.”

This lightning-caused fire is 18 hectares in size and located in the west-central portion of Woodland Caribou Provincial Park.

Emo rider Lane Hyatt tried to get the “jump” on his rivals as he drove to a fifth-place finish in the first of yesterday's two MX3 Intermediate division races as part of the Superior Dirt Riders Northern Ontario tour stop at the Emo Motocross track. A record number of about 100 riders took part over the two days of racing on the weekend.

The J.W. Walker Wildcats and Robert Moore Mustangs were fleet afoot in one of the many fast-paced matchups as part of the Rainy River District Athletic Association's Grades 4-6 soccer showcase held Friday at the St. Francis Sports Field. The event was the final one on the RRDAA calendar for the 2016-17 school year.

The light rain Saturday afternoon wasn't ideal for an outdoor event but it didn't stop dancers at the annual Rainy River First Nations' pow-wow. The gathering began with opening ceremonies and a royalty pageant on Friday and ran until Sunday, June 18 at the Manitou Rapids pow-wow grounds just north of the Highway 11/71 junction.

ROBERVAL, Que.—Longtime Conservative MP Denis Lebel is quitting politics after nearly 10 years in the House of Commons.

The former cabinet minister made the announcement in his Quebec riding of Lac-Saint-Jean this morning.

The 63-year-old Lebel has been an MP since September, 2007.

OTTAWA—The Liberal government has unveiled its strategy on gender-based violence, proposing to spend the bulk of the cash allotted to create a centre of excellence within Status of Women Canada to both study and try to solve the problem.

TUMBLER RIDGE, B.C.—A piece of dinosaur skull unearthed in northeastern British Columbia earlier this month is the first of its kind discovered in the province, an expert says.

The fossilized tyrannosaur skull was found near Tumbler Ridge, in an area that has produced hundreds of dinosaur teeth, bones, and footprints since 2001 but until this month had never yielded a skull.

OTTAWA—NDP leadership candidate Charlie Angus is promising to find better ways to protect the interests of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children, including by dismantling the Indigenous Affairs Department.

OTTAWA—Be alert but not alarmed, police are urging Canadians who will congregate under the Peace Tower next month for Canada 150 celebrations—a massive public gathering for which intelligence agencies and emergency teams have spent months preparing.

NEW YORK—Toting his toddler around the clubhouse post-game, Jacob deGrom joked about the Father's Day present he gave himself—the souvenir ball from his first big-league home run.

“I think I got lucky,” the New York Mets' ace said.

With one-year-old Jaxon and his own dad in the ballpark, deGrom put on quite a performance yesterday.

TORONTO—Russell Martin's seventh home run of the season barely made it over the wall.

But like most of his homers this year, his timing was impeccable.

Martin hit a deep fly ball to centrefield that Willy Garcia had to play right to the wall.

But as the White Sox centre-fielder jumped up to catch the ball, it bounced off the wall directly behind his glove and over.

BROOKLYN, Mich.—Three times, Kyle Larson needed to outrace the rest of the contenders on late restarts.

That's a task he's proven he can handle at Michigan International Speedway.

Larson took control on a restart with five laps to go, and held off Chase Elliott yesterday for his second NASCAR Cup Series victory of the season.

George McPhee wants his fellow general managers to make him an offer he can't refuse.

The Vegas Golden Knights' GM might as well be “The Godfather” of the NHL during this three-day expansion draft window.

ERIN, Wis.—Brooks Koepka received a short piece of advice from a valuable source on the eve of the final round at the U.S. Open.

Defending champion Dustin Johnson was doing most of the talking.

“It was a long phone call for us—it was like two minutes," Koepka noted. ”But he just said a few things, and just stay patient.

BEIJING — Want an insanely fast ride with zero emissions? Startup NIO has the car: An electric two-seater with muscular European lines and a top speed of 195 miles per hour (313 kilometres per hour).

LONDON—A white man plowed a van into a crowd of Muslim worshippers outside a north London mosque early today in an attack police say they are investigating as a terrorist incident.

LONDON — A white man plowed a van into a crowd of Muslim worshippers outside a north London mosque early Monday in an attack that police say they are investigating as a terrorist incident.

TOKYO — Japan’s coast guard is investigating why it took nearly an hour for a deadly collision between a U.S. Navy destroyer and a container ship to be reported.

A coast guard official said Monday they are trying to find out what the crew of the Philippine-flagged ACX Crystal was doing before reporting the collision off Japan’s coast to authorities 50 minutes later.

LONDON — The devastating fire that struck a high-rise tower in London may have been so powerful that it destroyed much of the DNA evidence needed to identify its victims.

Summer’s here and the time is right for summer salads gussied up with light proteins. Boiled shrimp is the perfect candidate, especially when it’s paired with orange, avocado and mint, as it is here.

As any fan of celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain knows, food is more than raw ingredients. To understand a bowl of noodles or a perfectly formed dumpling, a foodie must understand the people who make it, the place where it is made, and the deeply rooted history of both.

Shelby King began her Grade 10 art exam among her classmates yesterday afternoon in the small gym at Fort Frances High School. Exams began last Thursday and will run until this Thursday, which also will be the last day of school for all students across the district.

A statue of baby Jesus that remained headless for months after it was decapitated in Northern Ontario has been resurrected.

The head that was knocked off and stolen has been restored to the statue at the Ste. Anne des Pins parish in Sudbury, Ont., though the volunteer who made the repairs said there still is a few days' work to be done.

OTTAWA—The federal government introduced legislation yesterday to restrict the use of solitary confinement inside federal prisons and to better protect prisoners with mental illness or at risk of self-harm or suicide.

OTTAWA—A super-watchdog to oversee the full array of federal intelligence services would be created under legislation introduced today.

The measure is part of a package of national security changes tabled by Justin Trudeau's Liberal government.

WINNIPEG—The Manitoba government says it will not force faith-based hospitals to provide medical assistance in dying.

The comment comes in response to a controversy over the reversal of a decision by the St. Boniface Hospital's board of directors on the issue.

TORONTO—Ontario's doctors, who have been without a physician services agreement for three years, have voted in favour of a deal that will send contract disputes with the government to binding arbitration.

TORONTO—A judge says an Ontario woman with incurable erosive osteoarthritis fits a key requirement to receive a medically-assisted death after her doctor refused to help her because he feared criminal prosecution.

In a decision delivered in a Toronto court yesterday, Superior Court Justice Paul Perell ruled the woman's “natural death is reasonably foreseeable.”

OTTAWA—A House of Commons committee looking at the issue of indigenous suicide is urging the federal government to make sure aboriginal communities have resources available after hours and on weekends—often when emergencies occur.

ARLINGTON, Tex.—Wins in the past two playoff matchups, a couple of victories in Toronto during a three-game set earlier this season, and now a ninth-inning rally in Texas.

The Blue Jays are finding ways to beat the Rangers—even if Jose Bautista was roughed up a bit by Rougned Odor in that wild brawl a little more than a year ago.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Patrick Cooper had already turned around after reaching the halfway point in a popular mountain race in Alaska when he somehow veered off the trail and became lost. That’s when the 16-year-old Anchorage boy encountered the black bear that would take his life in a rare predatory attack.

PARIS—Most of France is under a severe weather alert due to an intense heatwave that is expected to last through the coming days.

In Paris today, the temperature was forecast to reach high as 36 degrees Celsius (95 degrees F) and produced scenes usually observed at summer's height.

CLEVELAND—A wayward tortoise's surprising trek around Ohio has ended happily for its owner, whose two-week search—in a twist of fate—might have saved her sister's life.

“Otis” the California desert tortoise managed to push open a sliding glass door and escape from Kathie Heisinger's home in Sebring in Mahoning County on May 30.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska—Patrick Cooper already had turned around after reaching the halfway point in a popular mountain race in Alaska when he somehow veered off the trail and became lost.

That's when the 16-year-old Anchorage boy encountered the black bear that would take his life in a rare predatory attack.

WASHINGTON—NASA's planet-hunting telescope has found 10 new planets outside our solar system that likely are the right size and temperature to potentially have life on them—broadly hinting that we probably are not alone.

After four years of searching, the Kepler telescope has detected a total of 49 planets in the “Goldilocks” zone.

BERLIN — Emergency services were called to a landmark Hamburg church to fight a fire. All they found was a swarm of gnats.

News agency dpa reports that Hamburg’s fire service said Tuesday it was called to the St. Michaelis church by a man who reported seeing white smoke rising from the tower.

WASHINGTON — Less than one-third of Americans support President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord, a new poll shows, and just 18 per cent of respondents agree with his claim that pulling out of the international agreement to reduce carbon emissions will help the U.S. economy.

SPOKANE, Wash. — Ranchers on Monday sued the U.S. Department of Agriculture, seeking to force meat to again be labeled if it’s produced in other countries and imported to the United States.

CLEVELAND — A wayward tortoise’s surprising trek around Ohio has ended happily for its owner, whose two-week search, in a twist of fate, might have saved her sister’s life.

Otis the California desert tortoise managed to push open a sliding glass door and escape from Kathie Heisinger’s home in Sebring in Mahoning County on May 30.

WASHINGTON — NASA’s planet-hunting telescope has found 10 new planets outside our solar system that are likely the right size and temperature to potentially have life on them, broadly hinting that we are probably not alone.

WASHINGTON — A mass bleaching of coral reefs worldwide is finally easing after three years, U.S. scientists announced Monday.

About three-quarters of the world’s delicate coral reefs were damaged or killed by hot water in what scientists say was the largest coral catastrophe.

The Gay Straight Alliance at Fort High is aiming to hold a Fort Frances “Pride" event here next year, and will start getting the word out to the community about it during "Mall Day” next Thursday (June 29).

Hiking the minimum wage will result in fewer staff and higher prices, some local small business owners are warning.

Ben Morelli, owner of From the Grind Up, said although he supports raising the minimum wage, it will make it difficult for him to provide competitive wages for his employees.

The Rainy River District School Board will receive $5.17 million from the Ministry of Education's Capital Priorities program to consolidate Rainy River High School and Riverview Public School within a renovated Rainy River High School.

The ministry also approved the board's contribution of $4.9 million for the project.

An article in last Wednesday's Times, headlined “'Relay for Life' taking shape,” contained an incorrect telephone number for organizer Monica Sus.

In fact, the correct number is 271-0923.

The Times regrets any inconvenience or confusion this error caused.

The Rainy River District School Board approved its 2017-18 balanced budget of $54,148,855 at a special meeting Monday in Atikokan.

It represents a three percent increase over the 2016-17 budget.

For the entire second semester of the next school year, Mira Donaldson will be one of 30 Ontario students involved in a unique and promising educational opportunity in Toronto as she attends the Science School at the Ontario Science Centre.

The centre itself is an attraction full of interactive experiences with science and technology exhibits and programs.

To celebrate the Riverside Foundation for Health Care's 20th anniversary in 2017, a poster contest was issued to local classrooms earlier this spring.

Now a book has been created using the winning posters, and other notable entries, to be displayed at the four health-care facilities in the district.

Keith Macpherson and Renée Lamoureux will take to the stage on Thursday, July 13 for the first concert of the season at Cornell Farms in La Vallee.

They are a Canadian duo renowned for their dynamic live show, unforgettable harmonies, and tight musicality honed by years together on the road.

The Northwest District Catholic School Board formally approved Brendan Hyatt as its new director of education at its regular monthly meeting Saturday—a fitting decision considering his longtime history with the board.

Hyatt, the current superintendent of education for the board, officially begins his new role on Sept. 1.

The Emo and District Hospital Auxiliary wishes to thank individuals, groups, and businesses for their overwhelming response to their special project in regards to the renovations to the Emo clinic.

The pledge goal has been met and surpassed, with funds to be directed towards the needs of the main floor of the Emo Health Centre.

When it comes to dreams, Melissa Fletcher shoots for the stars.

She literally wanted to be a star.

The Fort Frances native, who now lives in Toronto, had plans to be an actor, a ballerina, and a stand-up comic before finally settling on the idea of becoming a talent agent.

It hasn't been an easy ride.

The Northwest Catholic District School Board approved its 2017-18 budget at its final regular meeting of the school year on Saturday at St. Patrick's School in Atikokan.

The Ontario Dental Association understands wanting to look your best when you say “cheese!”

But are your teeth healthy enough?

For soft or eroded tooth enamel, sensitive teeth, and restorative dental work, tooth whitening products may cause damage to your teeth.

James Pavier became bored with stopping goals so he spent the second half scoring them.

After a flawless first half between the pipes, Pavier left the net and scored twice as Manitou Forest Products blanked Pharmasave 6-0 in Borderland Soccer League men's division action Monday night.

Also scoring twice was Chris Sinclair, whose four total tallies leads the league.

He races in the class reserved for rookies but he sure doesn't race like one.

Trevor Croswell of Emo had the best weekend of his rookie campaign on the Superior Dirt Riders Northern Ontario motocross tour, on the track he knows best, as he claimed the title both days in the MX3 Beginner category at the Emo Motocross course.

Nearly 100 years after the Stanley Cup final was cancelled, the same fate befell those aiming for what would have been a first-ever youth lacrosse championship.

The inaugural UNFC Champions Cup in the age seven-nine and 10-14 divisions won't be awarded after all after circumstances wiped out the two decisive Game 3s of the best-of-three finals that had been set for Monday.

The play started with a groan and ended with a group hug.

In a game that featured just about everything, the Couchiching Lady Raiders scored five times in the bottom of the seventh for a 17-16 win over the visiting Emo Renegades in a Rainy River District Women's Fastball League makeup game Monday evening.

Tara Allaire was running on empty but held firm to her place in the top five.

The Emo resident put in a fantastic effort to finish fourth in her 31-runner division, and 12th out of 176 women overall, in the marathon division of the Manitoba Marathon on Sunday in Winnipeg.

Allaire, competing in the female age 25-29 group, posted a time of 3:30.31.

Rainy River Community College in International Falls will host two upcoming youth volleyball camps.

The Up North elementary girls' volleyball camp will run July 5-7, taking place each day from 9 a.m.-noon.

It is open to girls in Grades 1-7 and costs $60 (U.S.), which includes a camp T-shirt.

Piper Miller tallied the game- and title-winning goal in the third period to give the Northern Storm a 3-1 triumph over Tommy Chicago Green in the final of the U10-'AAA' division at the Shock Doctor Shootout in Edina, Mn. back on June 11.

Fellow Fort Frances teammate Eva Gerstner netted the opening goal in the first period before Tommy Chicago Green tied it in the second.

Jamie Davis hinted he might take this past Saturday off from the racetrack.

Everyone in the WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds division would have preferred he had taken his own hint.

Instead, the Devlin native captured the feature race for the third-straight week in Borderland Racing Association action at the Emo Speedway.

A superb Saturday gave way to a sobering Sunday for Steve Arpin.

The Fort Frances native was on top of the world—and the standings—after winning his second-straight final during the Red Bull Global Rallycross circuit's inaugural visit to Canada.

Ron Silver believes Curling Canada is heading in the right direction in addressing the risks of concussions for young curlers.

The president of the Fort Frances Curling Club voiced his support of Saturday's decision by the national organization to encourage Canadian curling clubs and facilities to acknowledge a concern about head injuries and concussions.

After a long winter, most people are happy to be outside enjoying the weather.

However, outdoor workers are up to 2.5-3.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with skin cancers and also are at risk for developing heat-related illnesses, such as heat stress, when working in the sun.

“Bo” knows fastball.

Jeffrey (Bo) Thomas was virtually unhittable Sunday—tossing a pair of complete-game shutouts in leading the Big Grassy Lightning to first place in the fifth-annual Sabaskong Lakers/Cubs Men's Fastball Challenge Tournament.

Madeleine Bottomley treated her tastebuds to a refreshing serving of ice cream, strawberries, and shortcake last Thursday afternoon during the annual “Strawberry Social" outside La Verendrye Hospital.

Dancers at the annual Rainy River First Nations' pow-wow had to deal with some wet conditions as a light rain fell most of Saturday afternoon. But the pow-wow ran from Friday to Sunday, so there was plenty of time for dancing and visiting at the Manitou Rapids pow-wow grounds just north of the Highway 11/71 junction.

Sydney Beck got ready to begin her final art exam in the small gym at Fort High on Monday afternoon. Fort High students are in the midst of final exams, which began last Thursday and run until tomorrow. With Friday being a P.A. Day, tomorrow also marks the last day of school for all students across the district.

Kaydence Morrisseau, Reggie Andy, Grace George, and Naomi Kellar showed off their handmade Canadian flags at St. Francis School yesterday. The school participated in a number of “Canada 150” games and activities, including a flag-raising, Canadian trivia contest, naming famous Canadians, and playing lacrosse throughout the day.

Work has begun on the site of the Seven Generations Education Institute's new state-of-the-art education centre next to the Treaty #3 Police station at Couchiching. Announced in December, the new building is planned to open in April, 2018 to replace the Nanicost building-a former residential school.

Melissa Fletcher sat down with students in Susan DeGagne's drama class at Fort High last month to talk about her experiences as a talent agent's assistant. Some of the students were in this year's musical, “Mary Poppins,” and listened attentively to Fletcher's words of advice.

Riverside staffers Michelle McFayden, left, and Tracy Cryderman took a break from the X-ray department to grab a cool treat outside the hospital last Thursday afternoon during the annual “Strawberry Social" hosted by the La Verendrye Hospital Auxiliary.

Jenna Nowak, of Zumba with Jenna, led a small group in an energy-filled Zumba class Sunday afternoon at Point Park. The class cost $10 and was a fundraising opportunity for the “Fun in the Sun” committee, with all proceeds going towards Canada Day activities taking place here on July 1.

Gordon and Margaret Woollard enjoyed their strawberry shortcake at the Emo & District Hospital Auxiliary's annual “Strawberry Social” earlier this month. The event took place in the Emo Health Centre cafeteria, with proceeds going towards the auxiliary's clinic and hospital projects.

It wasn't exactly a smooth cruise for Emo's Lane Hyatt through the sticky surface of the Emo Motocross course over the weekend after rain both days converted the raceway into a tricky adventure for the roughly 100-plus riders on hand. Hyatt was participating in the Superior Dirt Riders Northern Ontario doubleheader in the tour's only stop in Rainy River District this season.

The future was on display at the Devlin Ball Park on Friday as one of the final sessions of the Devlin Junior T-Ball/Baseball program, organized by the Township of La Vallee, was held. Leah Seguin of Emo (above) exhibited her defensive prowess on this grounder while Raelle Redford of Emo (below) was right on target with this throw to first base.

JJ Landry was on his game last Thursday evening—throwing a complete game in leading the Barwick Blue Knights over the visiting Sight & Sound Wolves 4-3 in a rematch of last season's Rainy River District Fastball League final.

Greg Thorstad, left, Annely Thorstad, and Sydney Chalifoux of the International Boundary Waters Dragon Boat Club welcomed the newest addition to their coaching program last week—a 24-foot, two-person Tempest Outrigger Canoe christened “Drakka.” For a $20 donation to the Canadian Cancer Society's Breast Cancer Cause, which the club is raising money and accepting donations towards, adults can pad

Trevor Croswell of Emo reached new heights in his rookie racing season—winning the MX3 Beginner class both days to take the overall division lead.

Jeff Gustafson had a tough tournament at the Potomac River last week and missed qualifying for the season-ending Forrest Wood Cup.

Brandon Croswell of Emo looked right at home on his home track, placing in the top three twice during the Superior Dirt Riders Northern Ontario doubleheader weekend Saturday and Sunday at the Emo Motocross course.

It was a beautiful day for “The Beautiful Game” last Thursday as members of the Crossroads Tornadoes, left, and Robert Moore Mustangs exchanged shots and saves as part of the Rainy River District Athletic Association's Grades 2-3 soccer showcase at the St. Francis Sports Field. The event also was attended by J.W. Walker and St. Michael's.

Wouldn't it be a shame to see the horseshoe pits at Point Park go unused this July 1? The Fun in the Sun committee thinks so, too, and is hoping a willing individual or group would like to organize a horseshoe tournament on Canada Day. Anyone interested is urged to call Cynthia Donald at 274-3384 or contact the committee through its Facebook page, “Fun in the Sun committee.”

WASHINGTON — When a Kansas strip-mall bank with possible mob ties folded in the mid-1980s, federal authorities investigated whether a shareholder, Iranian-born aviation magnate Farhad Azima, should face criminal charges.

NEW YORK — He’s been overshadowed by Barbie for decades, but now Ken is finally getting some attention.

Mattel is introducing 15 new looks for the male doll, including different skin tones, body shapes and hair styles. Barbie had a similar makeover more than a year ago, both part of the toy company’s plan to make its dolls more diverse and appealing to today’s kids.

WEST MILFORD, N.J. — A teenager has left a permanent mark on her long-running battle against her high school’s dress code.

Eighteen-year-old West Milford High School senior Victoria DiPaolo chose a black off-the-shoulder top for her senior photo, and her yearbook quote below the photo reads: “I’m sorry, did my shoulders distract you from reading this quote?”

I love a deep-fried, puffy-battered fish sandwich, with a tempura-like coating, but I’m not doing that at home. That’s for an indulgent summer seafood shack lunch, or if you’re lucky enough to find yourself in a British pub.

Tonight could see a thunderstorm or two, with skies clearing later on.

Look for an overnight low of 11 C (51 F).

Tomorrow will be mostly sunny, with a high of 23 (73) and low around nine (48).

Morning showers are forecast for Friday, followed by clearing skies in the afternoon, along with a high of 18 (64) and low dipping to seven (44).

Yesterday just after 2 a.m., Rainy River District OPP officers, while on patrol, conducted a traffic stop on Colonization Road East in Fort Frances.

The driver, a 34-year-old Thunder Bay man, failed the roadside test and was arrested and taken to OPP detachment for breath tests.

No new fires were confirmed in the Northwest Region by yesterday afternoon.

There are no active fires.

The forest fire hazard is “moderate" in the eastern sectors of the region and "high” in the western sectors.

Rain is in the forecast for the next few days, which is expected to reduce the fire hazard across the region.

It would be easier to predict the weather in Fort Frances a month from now than to score against Centra Pipelines at the moment.

Max Williams had the only goal of the game as Centra blanked CJ Contracting 1-0 in Borderland Soccer League men's division action Tuesday night.

With the forms in place, workers today began pouring cement at the site of the new Rainy Like Square here. The entire project is scheduled to be completed by mid-August. In related news, work is underway to replace the interlocking brick sidewalks at the Civic Centre.

Caity Visser of the Fort Frances Angels, left, tried to get a handle on Reece McQuaker's toss as Trinity Prince of the Sabaskong Tebinaak safely reached first base during the Angels' 14-8 win Tuesday evening at the St. Francis Sports Field.

Couchiching First Nation, in conjunction with the Northwest Catholic District School Board, held a pow-wow yesterday in honour of National Aboriginal Day at the grounds there. Here, students from St. Michael's, St. Francis, and Our Lady of the Way can be seen dancing during the grand entry.

MISSISSAUGA, Ont.—A video showing an agitated woman demanding her son be examined by a “white doctor” at a Toronto-area walk-in clinic is sparking online outrage, as some medical groups say demands for physicians of a certain race cannot be accommodated.

VICTORIA—The clock that counts down to the expected defeat of Premier Christy Clark's minority government in British Columbia started ticking today with the introduction of a throne speech.

After that, the province will watch for a confidence vote that is expected to lead to an NDP government propped up by the Green Party.

OTTAWA—The Liberal government's new security bill adds torture, detention, and serious destruction of property that would endanger a life to the list of things Canada's spy agency cannot do when disrupting terror plots.

OTTAWA—A bid by senators to amend the Trudeau government's budget escalated yesterday into a test of wills over which parliamentary chamber—the elected House of Commons or the appointed Senate—has the right to decide budgetary matters.

OTTAWA—Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined indigenous leaders across from Parliament Hill on a sun-drenched Wednesday and said the building housing his office no longer will bear the name of Hector-Louis Langevin, a father of Confederation and an architect of the residential school system.

NEW YORK — The flu vaccine did a poor job protecting older Americans against the illness last winter, even though the vaccine was well-matched to the flu bugs going around.

U.S. health officials on Wednesday released new vaccine data showing it did a so-so job overall.

WASHINGTON — An experimental drug is showing promise against an untreatable eye disease that blinds older adults and intriguingly, it seems to work in patients who carry a particular gene flaw that fuels the damage to their vision.

MONTREAL—Darian Durant hasn't had to wait long for his first game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

The veteran quarterback, who spent the first 11 seasons of his career in Regina, will play his first game for the Montreal Alouettes against the Roughriders tonight at Percival Molson Stadium.

The Vegas Golden Knights played the long game in constructing the base of their first very NHL roster.

Knights' general manager George McPhee went heavy on defenders and short on high-end help in selecting 30 players at the first NHL expansion draft in 17 years.

LAS VEGAS—Connor McDavid won his first Hart Trophy.

Hardly anybody in hockey believes it will be his last.

The Edmonton captain claimed the award as the NHL's most valuable player last night at the league's post-season awards show at T-Mobile Arena, the new home of the expansion Vegas Golden Knights.

ARLINGTON, Tex.—Darwin Barney's two-run homer capped a big first inning and was just enough for the Toronto Blue Jays to earn a victory—and again get within one game of their first .500 record this season.

FLINT, Mich.—A Canadian man from Tunisia shouted in Arabic before stabbing a police officer in the neck at a Michigan airport, and made reference to people being killed overseas during the attack that's now being investigated as an act of terrorism, federal and court officials said.

Amor Ftouhi, 49, of Montreal, immediately was taken into custody.

FLINT, Mich.—A Canadian man from Tunisia shouted in Arabic before stabbing a police officer in the neck at a Michigan airport, and made reference to people being killed overseas during the attack that's now being investigated as an act of terrorism, federal and court officials said.

Amor Ftouhi, 49, of Montreal, immediately was taken into custody.

FLINT, Mich. — A Canadian man from Tunisia shouted in Arabic before stabbing a police officer in the neck at a Michigan airport, and made reference to people being killed overseas during the attack that’s now being investigated as an act of terrorism, federal and court officials said.

NEW YORK—He's been overshadowed by “Barbie" for decades, but now "Ken” finally is getting some attention.

Mattel is introducing 15 new looks for the male doll, including different skin tones, body shapes, and hair styles.

Barbie had a similar makeover more than a year ago—both part of the toy company's plan to make its dolls more diverse and appealing to today's kids.

WEST MILFORD, N.J.—A teenager has left a permanent mark on her long-running battle against her high school's dress code.

Eighteen-year-old West Milford High School senior Victoria DiPaolo chose a black off-the-shoulder top for her senior photo, and her yearbook quote below it reads: “I'm sorry, did my shoulders distract you from reading this quote?”

Balmy weather calls for ice-cold sweet treats; fruity drinks are a natural part of the summertime poolside landscape. But those drinks are often loaded with sugar, boasting 40 or more grams in even a reasonably-sized drink.

Landon Woods, Jesse Quesnel, Brent Jourdain, Kenton Bowles, and Cole Kowalski enjoyed a game of Blackjack against dealer Todd Hamilton last night during the annual “chem-free” grad party in the '52 Canadians Arena following the graduation ceremony. The grads also enjoyed an act by magician Chris Funk, as well as inflatables, food-eating contests, relay races, and a photo booth.

Alyssa Clendenning received her diploma from Fort Frances High School principal Bill Daley during graduation ceremonies yesterday evening at the Ice For Kids Arena. After the diplomas were handed out, valedictorian Mackenzie Wright delivered her address to her fellow classmates.

Jake Vandenbrand of the Stratton Eagles got a hold of this pitch against the host Couchiching Raiders in Rainy River District Fastball League action yesterday evening. Stratton overcame an early 7-1 deficit in cruising to a 20-9 victory.

OTTAWA—Ontario's chief coroner has asked an outside police force to assist Thunder Bay police in investigating the deaths of two indigenous teens that garnered national attention due to concerns levelled by First Nations' leaders.

TORONTO—Ontario correctional workers have voted overwhelmingly to reject a government offer to extend their contracts by four years with 7.5 percent in raises.

Meanwhile, 27,000 other public servants represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union have accepted an offer with the same wage hike.

OTTAWA—The Liberal government says it is seeking “clarity” from the Federal Court on two aspects of a compliance order issued in May by a quasi-judicial human rights tribunal on the delivery of First Nations' child health care.

STANDOFF, Alta.—Alberta Health Services is apologizing, and has placed an employee on administrative leave, after officials at a southern Alberta First Nation complained about a racial slur being used in a text message.

The incident occurred last week during an AHS seminar for educators working on the Kainai First Nation, also known as the Blood Tribe.

TORONTO—Ontario will announce reforms to ticket selling legislation on Monday after a public consultation found widespread support for more transparent sales and more rules for re-sellers, The Canadian Press has learned.

TORONTO—Landlords in Ontario will be able to increase rents up to 1.8 percent next year, as rent controls are expanded under the Liberal government's housing plan.

The annual rent increase guideline is the maximum amount a landlord can boost a tenant's rent without needing the approval of the Landlord and Tenant Board.

TORONTO—Sears Canada will close 59 stores and cut roughly 2,900 jobs under a court-supervised restructuring, the beleaguered retailer said yesterday following years of dwindling sales and a revolving door of top executives.

TORONTO—Hydro bills in Ontario are set to drop July 1 as the remainder of cuts promised by the Liberal government come into effect.

Some of the cuts came into effect May 1 but as of next month, bills will be 25 percent lower than last year, on average, including an eight percent cut that took effect in January.