Fort Frances Times Online Edition - March 25, 2020

I am a supervisor for a local contractor. We currently have contracts with a general contractor to wire two new OPP detachments, one in Fort Frances, one in Moosonee. We are the only local contractor on site, with most but not all coming from Thunder Bay or Winnipeg.

With more and more of the district -and the world- shut down due to the spread of COVID-19, one motivated local teen has taken steps to ensure help is available for the people who need it.

By starting seeds indoors you can often extend your growing season by up to ten weeks. This can be very beneficial for plants that have a longer “days to maturity" time frame.

"Q: ""Every town is in a state of emergency. What does that even mean?"

With so much uncertainty caused by COVID-19, Fort Frances can take comfort that Meals on Wheels is still delivering to its most vulnerable clientele.

On April 1, Dr. Phillip Whatley will officially hang up his stethoscope and retire, after 41 years of dedication and compassion.

Hats off to many local businesses for practicing safe precautions with COVID-19.

Last week Devlin's made a sign available for all customers stating “if you are not well please DO NOT ENTER!”

If you see more then a few vehicles out front, wait a few minutes to allow people their social distance. Stay safe!

The Emo & District Hospital Auxiliary is celebrating their 2019/2020 capital equipment pledges made to the Riverside Foundation for Health Care.

Included in the pledges are three new dining room tables for the cafeteria valued at $1,212.05 that were enjoyed at the Annual Shamrock Tea held on March 13.

He's looking forward to the future after having his season end so abruptly, but Noah Loveday still is thankful for everything he has experienced.

The SIJHL continues to unveil its award winners for the 2019-20 season.

Yesterday the league announced that Robert DeGagne of the Thunder Bay North Stars has been named its Coach of the Year for the 2019-20 season.

Holly McRae is hoping to inspire the next generation of girls in Fort Frances to push for their dreams and to never hold back through her journey in the world of strongman competition.

Getting that experience at a provincial championship is huge for the development of a young athlete and the Muskie senior girls' volleyball team was able to see firsthand the level of effort needed to succeed on the all-Ontarios stage.

As directed by Hockey Canada and the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL), the Fort Frances Lakers announce the remainder of the 2020 hockey season has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the first time in history, Fort Frances will host the OFSAA 'A/AA' girls' hockey championships in 2022.

Chris Sinclair, who curently is the head coach the Muskie boys' team, put together a bid for Fort Frances to host when he coached the girls' squad back in 2018-19, and it was accepted earlier this school year.

The world has changed a lot in the last few weeks, and it's creating a lot of questions. We at the Times want to connect you with the information and answers you need. In this Ask a Local Expert section, you can ask us your questions, and we will research the answer for you. If you have a question, but don't know who to ask, send it to us.

Pictured with one of the new dining room tables are front left, Emo & District Auxiliary President Mary Curtis, Aux member Cecile Cole, back left Riverside Foundation Director Allison Cox, Aux members Darlene Fletcher, Diane Vandenbrand and Lillian Haugh, volunteers Wendy Danylchuk and Piper Danylchuk, Aux members Karen Jackson, Shirley Sheppard and Susan Irvine.

The Lowey family has been taking advantage of social distancing to get a jump start on the spring planting season at Lowey's Greenhouse and Market gardens. Above, Blaire Lowey trims seedlings, as Oliver the cat tries to help. Right, Donna, front, joins her family with seeding a new tray.

-Megan Walchuk photo

On February 29, 908 Rainy Lake RCACS participated in the Zone 26 Marksmanship Competition here in Fort Frances.

Noah Loveday capped a fantastic junior 'A' hockey career by taking home the SIJHL's Most Improved Player Award back on March 16. The Fort Frances native played the last three seasons in the SIJHL with the Lakers, being named the captain for the most recent campaign, and set career-highs this year in goals, assists, and points.

Jeff Gustafson was enjoying some fun fishing in South Carolina before the Bassmaster Elite Series event scheduled in Tennessee was cancelled due to Corona virus concerns.

-submitted photo

Holly McRea achieved her first national strongwoman title this year. The Fort Frances native began competing in 2016, building her strength and skill, and overcoming extensive injuries, to win the amateur title. She is equally at home in the gym, or with her family, right.

The senior girls' Muskie Volleyball team may not have walked away with a medal at OFSAA, but they learned valuable skills. Coming in just shy of the consolation rounds, they were able to watch the medalists compete and see what it will take to get a medal next time.

(ORILLIA, ON) - The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) wants to ensure everyone is aware of how police services are expected to respond to the Government of Ontario's recent health emergency declaration related to limiting transmission of COVID-19.

TORONTO - To support Ontarians through the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation, the Government of Ontario is providing immediate electricity rate relief for families, small businesses and farms paying time-of-use (TOU) rates.