Fort Frances Times Online Edition - June 23, 2017

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.

OTTAWA—A woman who wants to sue Facebook over its use of “sponsored stories” can pursue her case in British Columbia, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled today.

MONTREAL—Darian Durant played down the revenge factor in the week leading up to facing his old team but when the game was over, the veteran quarterback admitted it felt good to win.

TORONTO—The Toronto Raptors believe they landed one of the most versatile defenders in last night's NBA draft when injured forward OG Anunoby fell to No. 23.

“Obviously if he doesn't have that injury, I don't think we have a shot,” said Raptors' president Masai Ujiri.

CHICAGO—The NHL stage belongs to Ray Shero and the New Jersey Devils.

Then it goes right back to George McPhee and the Vegas Golden Knights.

In the wake of Vegas' expansion draft, New Jersey is on the clock with the No. 1 pick of the amateur draft beginning tonight at the United Center.

CROMWELL, Conn.—Jordan Spieth didn't take long to figure out TPC River Highlands.

Making his debut at the Connecticut course, the 23-year-old Texan had eight birdies and a bogey yesterday for a seven-under 63 and a one-stroke lead in the Travelers Championship.

ARLINGTON, Tex.—Carlos Gomez was munching on a doughnut and a piece of watermelon simultaneously before the game, when he predicted he would hit a home run.

Then there was the recording of a rooster call the Texas centre-fielder wanted played for one of his teammates.

Turns out things went even better than he planned.

The annual “Relay for Life” will be held Saturday, June 24 from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. at the Fort Frances Curling Club. A survivors' ceremony is set to run from noon-2 p.m.

Stock car racing goes Saturday, June 24 at the Emo Speedway, with hot laps at 7 p.m. and the first race at 7:30 (weather permitting).