Fort Frances Times Online Edition - July 25, 2018

The 31st-annual “Railroad Daze” returned to Rainy River last Thursday to Sunday—and organizers say it was bigger and better than ever.

The fun-filled weekend of events and competitions drew sizeable crowds, with event organizer Martin Kreger saying this year saw the biggest turnout they've ever had.

Earlier this month, the Ontario government announced the curriculum modernization summer writing sessions were being cancelled.

The modernization process was aimed at including First Nation, Métis, and Inuit partners while developing the new curriculum, which was one of the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report.

The International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Board invites you to attend a meeting of its Water Levels Committee in International Falls, Mn. and a meeting of the entire board in Kenora.

Shayhannah Prince practised her hairstyling techniques on a mannequin, creating a “bob”-style cut.

“Tour de Fort” has joined forces with From The Grind Up to stage a double headliner show at the new Rainy Lake Square this coming Tuesday (July 31).

The 11-piece brass-hop band, “My Son the Hurricane," and the indie-folk rock band, "Shred Kelly,” are heading here for back-to-back performances.

On an evening where there were several events happening around the district, this month's “Country Jam” at the Emo Legion still was a big hit with the old-time country enthusiasts.

The dance floor was crowded and there was a good turnout of musicians. Everyone had a great time and enjoyed the music.

Local MPP Greg Rickford recently finalized agreements for three constituency offices across the Kenora-Rainy River riding.

“For Fort Frances, we finalized the lease,” Rickford said Friday in a conference call with the Times.

“We'll be in the downtown core with a great offering for folks down there,” he noted.

The “Quest” is over.

Dylan Ossachuk's powerful vocals took the judges by storm during his performance of Queen's “Bohemian Rhapsody" on Friday night at the annual "Quest for the Best” singing competition held under the big tent at the Sorting Gap Marina in conjunction with the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship.

Treaty #3 Grand Chief Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh issued a statement last Tuesday criticizing the Ontario government's decision to revert back to the 1998 sex-ed curriculum.

In the statement, he calls on local MPP Greg Rickford to bring his concerns about the curriculum to the attention of the minister of education.

Riverside Health Care held its annual general meeting on June 28, at which time two vacancies on the board of directors were filled.

Joining the board for the first time are Carlene Steiner for a three-year term and Jon Begg for a two-year term.

Returning to the board for three-year terms are Doug Robinson and Jordan Forbes.

Three new fires were reported in the Northwest Region by yesterday afternoon.

Two were in Red Lake District while the other one was in Sioux Lookout District.

There are 78 active fires in the region, 69 of which are listed as either “under observation,""being held," or "under control.”

The Couchiching First Nation Volunteer Fire Department is hosting its annual open house this Saturday (July 28).

Slated to run from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., there will be no shortage of fire safety demonstrations, fun games, and friendly competitions for attendees to take part in.

A new program offered through the Seven Generations Education Institute here is hoping to ease the current high demand of hairstylists in the Fort Frances area.

The Hairstyling Diploma offered through SGEI's satellite campus on King's Highway, in partnership with Sault College, took a new intake of students for its inaugural program back in September.

From Pinewood to Rainy River, endless fields of yellow hug Highway 11 for a total of 6,000 acres of canola, among other crops.

The 25 sq. km of fields are roughly the size of Fort Frances and after the harvest, farm owner Timo Brielmann estimates they will generate a total of $2.5 million for Rainy River District.

A Toronto-based gold mining company has been fined for an offence under the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act.

New Gold Inc. pleaded guilty and was fined $100,000 for failing to comply with the conditions of an approval under the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act.

Tom Gable, a biologist who has conducted research on wolves in and around Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota for the past four years, will share his findings with Rainy Lake Conservancy members and the public at 2 p.m. on Aug. 12 at La Place Rendez-Vous here.

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

Winning $30 for July 15-21 were Martin Coulson (Atikokan), Linda Geurts (Atikokan), Lawrence Thurier (Stevens Point, Wis.), Sheila Shyiak (Fort Frances), Connie Cowling (Thunder Bay), Mike McCormick (Fort Frances), and Glenda Radbourne (Manning, Alta.)

If you would have told Bryan Gustafson and Brian McNanney at the beginning of last week that they would be the champions at the 24th-annual Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship, they would have said you were dreaming.

No matter the opponent, the Fort Frances Braves only know one thing: winning.

Brett Mann crushed a three-run homer in the third inning to pace the top-ranked Braves to a 13-2 drubbing of fourth-seeded Windey's Warriors last Thursday evening at VanJura in the second round of the six-team, double-elimination Rainy River District Fastball League playoffs.

The difficult road to get back atop the SIJHL standings already has begun for the Fort Frances Lakers.

But head coach and general manager Wayne Strachan is hopeful a slew of local players will help make that trip back up the mountain an easier one.

Manitou Rapids was the place to be last Wednesday evening if you like offence.

Team #1 blew things wide-open with a five-run fifth inning en route to a 15-3 rout of Team #2 in the Rainy River District Women's Fastball League's annual all-star game.

The Race of Champions Mid-season Shootout was the perfect time for Gavin Paull to shine once again.

The Fort Frances native claimed his third feature win of the year in the WISSOTA Modifieds division, and also took the lead in the points standings, in Borderland Racing Association action Saturday night at the Emo Speedway.

Brielmann Agriculture Ltd. is home to over 6,000 acres of canola and other crops that create a sea of yellow between Pinewood and Rainy River. Once all the crops are successfully harvested, it is estimated that it will generate $2.5 million for the district.

Kreger Sales & Service family members, friends, and employees threw candy from a large inflatable peacock to the crowd that turned out for the annual “Railroad Daze" parade in Rainy River on Saturday afternoon. It wound up winning the "Best Float” award. Well over 100 people watched a flurry of floats travel from Heritage Square to Hannam Park.

“Millie the Beaver" was busting out the moves at Hannam Park following the annual "Railroad Daze” parade in Rainy River on Saturday. The mascot entertained children while providing a sense of entertainment to all the attendees.

Charlie Windego got a haircut from Seven Generations Education Institute's hairstyling student Kristen Bruyere on Thursday as part of the program's hands-on experience training. The salon, located in the Rainy Lake Plaza on King's Highway, is open to the public Monday, Tuesday, and Friday from 8:30a.m.-4:30p.m. until mid-August.

Theo Faragher, left, and Carter Daniw laughed as they had a sword fight with pool noodles yesterday morning at the McIrvine Rotary Park during a “Drop-in Playtime" program hosted by the Fort Frances "Best Start” Hub. The program provides a space, as well as toys and activities, for kids and families to bond and have fun throughout the summer.

Lori King, left, instructor for the Seven Generations Education Institute's hairstyling program, offered pointers to student Joanna Singleton as she coloured a client's hair using a “foiling” technique. Singleton is one of seven students who enrolled in the program's inaurgural session in 2017.

The “Battle Song" at this year's "Quest for the Best" on Friday night got up close and personal as Dylan Ossachuk and Kelly Clark gave it their all in an attempt to "out-sing" each other to Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer.” Both singers were described by the judges as having strong voices and personalities, as well as having great stage presence.

A friendly goat reached out to greet Parker Godin, who was excited to pet the farm animals at the Spry Farm petting zoo Saturday afternoon in conjunction with the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship. The youngster, and many others who stopped by, were greeted by goats, miniature horses, and chickens.

Children had a blast launching water balloons at one another in Hannam Park in Rainy River on Saturday as part of the “Railroad Daze” fun. An array of activities took place in the park, such as inflatables, train rides, and water sports.

This 1929 Model A-Rartrod rolled into Rainy River to take part in the first-ever car show held in conjunction with “Railroad Daze.” It was among many vintage and classic cars that lined Fourth Street on Sunday.

Dahlia Kaun, left, Alexa Bagacki, and Maddison Gibson were having fun baking cookies, cakes, and pizza last Thursday during a “Make & Bake” camp held by Confederation College. The group of young teens learned basic baking techniques and how to decorate during the week-long camp led by instructor Nadine Johnson of Fort Frances, who has a background in culinary arts and management.

Socorro Galusha, left, and Ericka Tymkin belted out some harmony to Soulshine Quintet's “Son of a Preacher Man" on Friday night during "Quest for the Best." Their performance had everything, right down to the co-ordination of their outfits (although they say it wasn't planned), and it paid off as the pair were given the "Showstopper” award.

People were on their feet for the Cajun Country Rock Band, a CCR tribute band from Thunder Bay, that played under the big tent Thursday night in conjunction with the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship. The concert was part of a charity event held by the Fort Frances Lions Club to raise funds for new playground equipment at Lions Park.

Cardboard boat race participants paddled for dear life last Sunday to stay afloat and move past their fellow competitors. The annual boat competition always is a popular affair, drawing in sizeable crowds from across the district.

Rylee Redford of the Fort Frances Angels fired a pitch during Team #1's 15-3 romp over Team #2 in the Rainy River District Women's Fastball League's annual all-star game last Wednesday evening at Manitou Rapids. Redford pitched four scoreless innings to earn the win.

James Hill of Thunder Bay held up his biggest bass that was part of an 11.37-pound Day 3 haul. Hill and his partner, Chris Viel, placed 12th overall with a three-day weight of 46.33 pounds.

Mark Ravelling tossed a noodle into the crowd during the top 10 boat parade under the big tent at the Sorting Gap Marina on Saturday afternoon. He and his partner, Mike Luhman, finished in 15th place at this year's tourney with a three-day total of 45.75 pounds.

Dakota Andy of the top-ranked Fort Frances Braves narrowly beat the throw home to score a run during his squad's 13-2 win over the fourth-seeded Windey's Warriors in East Division playoff action of the Rainy River District Fastball League on Thursday night at VanJura.

Kurt Johnson and Pat Jeffries blasted down the upper Rainy Lake as part of the Day 1 boat launch Thursday morning at the 24th-annual Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship. The duo wound up finishing in sixth place overall with a three-day haul of 49.05 pounds.

Cass Teeple of the Dawson Tigers fouled off a tough pitch during Team #2's 15-3 loss to Team #1 in the Rainy River District Women's Fastball League's annual all-star game last Wednesday evening at Manitou Rapids. The league's playoffs kicked off Monday night and continue tonight (weather permitting).

Bryan Gustafson and Brian McNanney held of some of their 18.49-pound Day 3 haul during the top 10 boat parade Sautrday afternoon under the big tent at the Sorting Gap Marina that helped them nab their first-ever Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship title. Their catch on the final day was the largest of the 94-team field, which they topped with a three-day total of 51.51 pounds.

Look for occasional showers tonight, with an overnight low of 11 C (52 F) and west-northwest winds gusting up to 18 km/h.

Tomorrow will see occasional morning showers, with a high of 20 (68) and low around nine (48).

Winds will be from the northwest gusting up to 20 km/h.

Friday will be partly sunny, along with a high of 23 (74) and low dipping to 12 (54).