Fort Frances Times Online Edition - August 21, 2019

The future of the district's forests continues to be a top priority for the town.

Fort Frances town council urged the province to put a hold on the development of a new Enhanced Sustainable Forest Licence (ESFL) so it can provide greater benefit to municipalities yesterday during the Association of Municipalities Ontario (AMO) conference in Ottawa.

Following a decision in March to introduce a high flood risk rule curve to control the inflow and manage water levels on Rainy Lake, Namakan Lake and Rainy River over the spring and summer months, water levels remain stable.

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP Don Rusnak is approaching the end of his term and won't be seeking re-election, to spend more time with his young family.

He was in the district last Wednesday to make a funding announcement, which will be one of his last visits as MP before the federal election.

Lidkea Optometry has earned itself a reputable status over the years among students completing their Primary Care clinical rotation as a highly-touted clinic where they can gain an abundance of practical knowledge.

Working at the Fort France Times and being a part of this incredible, welcoming town, never could I have imagined feeling like I am leaving with my own Fort Frances citizenship. 

Funding to replace Kehl bridge was recently announced and Alberton Township is hoping to finish the project before the end of the construction season this year.

Students and staff attending Fort Frances High School this year will soon see the return of a long-lost option for lunches.

NCDS announced that through grant funding, they are overseeing the creation of “The Caf Co.”—a not-for-profit enterprise that is aiming to bring lunch service back to the high school cafeteria.

An American organization visited Fort Frances last week to raise awareness surrounding a threat to local waterways and the environment.

The Save the Boundary Waters campaign held an information session in the Shaw conference room at the Fort Frances Public Library last Wednesday evening (Aug. 14.)

While some votes may be split between the NDP and Liberal Party in the federal election this fall, it appears the Progressive Conservatives will face a similar challenge.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry conservation officers want to remind everyone that unsafe hunting practices like shooting on or across a road and having loaded firearms in vehicles, pose a serious threat to the public and other hunters.

Brian and Carla Harris, Carole and Randy Wilde, Ray Stewart, and Terry Tysz of Fort Frances were among the $30 winners in the Rainy River District Mutual Aid Association's cash calendar draw for the week of Aug. 11-17.

Other winners for that week included Louise Leduchowski, Sandy and Tom Morden and Gerry Andrews of Atikokan.

The Ontario government is taking action to address concerns from hunters on how the province manages its moose population to ensure sustainability and hunting opportunities for future generations.

After coming oh so close—third, fourth, and fifth place finishes the past four years—Rene and Debora Cadene blew the doors off the Atikokan Bass Classic last weekend.

The day one leaders brought in a 24-pound bag on Saturday to push their two-day catch to 46.88 lbs, the most ever for the ABC and over four and a half pounds ahead of the runners-up, Austin and Shaina Loew.

In a hard-fought, back and forth game here Monday evening, the Renegades were able to steal the win by a matter of inches in the bottom of the seventh over the Couchiching Lady Raiders 8-7.

Fans witnessed a spirited game as the teams swapped the lead on four separate occasions and were tied once.

The bright lights from the Emo Fair mixed with the dust kicking up on the track at the Emo Speedway, making for a memorable Friday night during the Rea Memorial races.

Friday featured a full night of racing which had some young talent—along with familiar names—taking home the checkered flags and making their way down to victory lane.

The Borderland Soccer League men's final came down to a single goal as it almost was a forgone conclusion the first team to strike would come out victorious.

Neither teams' defence was willing to crumble and seemed virtually impenetrable.

It was all fun and games at the bungee jumper on the midway at the Emo Fall Fair on Friday evening. A large selection of attractions offered by Select Shows provided something for the whole family and kids of any age to enjoy outside of the animal barns and Farm Progress Building.

Jeff Hyatt blew on his fire to strengthen its flames during the tea boil portion of the 42nd-annual loggers' competition at the Emo Fair on Friday. Jeff Hyatt received third place in the tea boil, while Jason Caul landed second place, and Vaughn Wilson got third. For more photos, results see B8. -Sam Odrowski photo

Firefighters from Emo, Devlin, and LaVallee had their sirens and light flashing as they entered the Emo Speedway during Saturday's parade. Children were excited to meet with firefighters as they were handing out Freezies—a perfect treat on a hot summer day to keep cool.

With the wind blowing in their hair, children enjoyed the thrill of the dragon roller-coaster at the Emo Fair. The kids smiled as their parents watched on and reminisced about similar memories from their childhood and the enjoyment they had as a child at the fair.

Llamas were one of the many animals on display at the small animal barn during the Emo Fair this year. The baby chickens, rabbits, and ducks were a big hit with smaller children. Some of the animals owners were on hand at the barn to answer questions about their animals. -Sam Odrowski photo

Occasionally at the Emo Fall Fair, the livestock gives you the once over, like Sir EARLS Dibley, the Hereford bull did to this young visitor at the “Guess the Weight” pen on Friday evening. The bull is owned by Bujold Farms.

Fair attendees with some extra spending money had a blast trying their luck at the Select Shows midway games during the Emo Fair on Friday, in hopes of winning one of the many large stuffed animals on display.

Erika Gerula showed off her 1,270 pound steer that sold for $6.10 a pound, totalling $7,747 at the 4-H Market Steer Auction during the Emo Fair on Saturday. The Grand Champion this year was Hanna LeDrew's 1,430 pound steer that sold for $10,010, at $7 a pound. Close to 20 4-H Beef Club members sold their steer's during the auction.

Guitarist and vocalist Keri Latimer of the band, Leaf Rapids, performed for the crowd at the Moose N' Fiddle festival at Caliper Lake Provincial Park on Saturday night. Leaf Rapids' set was interrupted by the onset of stormy weather, but were able to continue playing following a brief intermission to move equipment.

New mini-queen Annelise DeGagne and mini-king Brecken Mann King were crowned on Thursday night upstairs the Emo Arena, making them the new 2019 royalty. A total of 11 children competed in the contest. All were awarded with gift cards, sponsored by the Emo Legion.

In a close battle, Jaxon Gartzke of Centra Pipelines leaped over defender Kirk Johnson of CJ Contracting as the two tried to get head the ball during the Borderland Soccer League men's final. The teams were well matched for one another as the back and forth battles continued throughout the night. CJ Contracting was able to claim their second straight title with a 1-0 win last Tuesday.

Children young and old enjoyed in the many amusements the Select Show Midway once again had to offer during the the Emo Fair. Some even experience the feeling of the joy of soaring high above the sky like a bee.

Maria Leschied received one of the judges' awards for the bear she made from an old fur coat and which sat on a hand-crafted chair made by her great grandfather in the 1880s. The bear was put on display in the “Judges' Special Exhibit” in the exhibition hall. Leschied said she had a hard time convincing her husband to keep the chair when they were downsizing.

Henry Kaemingh took weight predictions of the Hereford bull, Earl, from passersby during the “Guess the Weight” contest at the Emo Fair on Saturday. The animal weighed in at 1,352 lbs and was provided by Louis and Aaron Bujold. There were four winners who split the $100 grand prize were Marlene McQuaker, Delores Roymn, Doris Bradley and Joan Meyers.

NCDS executive director Nicke Paddock (Baird), left, and marketing co-ordinator Jolene Stahn showed off the aprons and logo for “The Caf Co." that will be restarting operations at the Fort Frances High School cafeteria this year.

Emily Bird, left, and her partner Izak Stromness sawed as quickly as they could during the “Jack and Jill” version of the two-man crosscut event during the 42nd-annual loggers' competition at the Emo Fair on Friday. Hundreds of spectators gathered in the bleachers to watch the annual contest.

Katie Mowe for the Couchiching Raiders was keeping a close eye on Renegades' pitcher Karma Andy as she tried to get a good jump on the ball as the pitch was delivered. Mowe was chosen as the MVP for the Raiders and Andy was a dominating force helping the Renegades advance to the Rainy River District Women's Fastball League finals with an 8-7 win.

Bryan Gustafson showed off part of the 22.49 lbs in his team's day two bag at the Atikokan Bass Classic. It was the third biggest one-day haul in the tournament, which he and fishing partner, Jon Austin, won in 2014. The big catch vaulted them from 10th place to first—for about 30 minutes.

David Simpson captured his second victory at the Emo Speedway on Friday night. Simpson drove away with the race and the Rea Memorial trophy in the WISSOTA Midwest Mods division. Once Simpson was able to move his way to the front of the pack, he never relinquished his lead—much to the despair of his fellow racers.

Darwin Lance buzzed into a large block of lumber during the chainsaw speed buck portion of the loggers' competition at the Emo Fair on Friday. Lance was later deemed the Rookie Logger of the Year.

Meanwhile, Jason Caul landed first place in the chainsaw speed buck, while Curtis Smith received second place, and Kevlin Caul took third.

-Sam Odrowski photo

During Heat 3 of the WISSOTA Midwest Mods division, driver Doug Wakefield, 79, Carter Kinnear and James Lambert ended in a pileup, making for some very tense moments for both fans and drivers. The good news was the drivers were uninjured in the accident but both Kinnear's and Lambert's car had to be helped off the track and did not finish the race.

In Heat 2 of the WISSOTA Modifieds division, Brody Strachan (99), and Blake Ferris (4) battled for the lead around turn three of the Emo Speedway. Strachan was able to hold on and win the heat. When the two meet again in the feature race it was Ferris' turn to capture the checkered flag and his first-ever win.

During the Rea Memorial Race at the Emo Speedway during the fair the hometown kid, Blake Ferris drove his way into victory lane. Ferris held off the 15 other racers in the final feature of the night in the WISSOTA Modifieds division, Ferris was able to capture his first-ever win.

Jeff with a couple of smallmouth bass from his day three catch at the St. Lawrence River.

Vaughn Wilson used all his might to send a log flying across the grounds of the grandstand during the loggers' competition at the Emo Fair on Friday. Wilson placed third in the pulp toss and landed second overall in the competition. A total of 10 loggers competed.

Tonight will be cloudy with an overnight low of nine C (48 F).

Tomorrow will be mostly cloudy. Expect a high of 20 (68) and a low of 10 (50).

Friday will be mostly sunny and pleasant with a high of 23 (73) and a low of 11 (52).