Fort Frances Times Online Edition - April1, 2020

The Boundary Waters Forest Management Corp has officially taken the reigns of the amalgamated Crosroute-Sapawe Forests.

Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health for Ontario, issued the following statement to Ontario citizens:

Q: I see someone out, who just got back from vacation. Can I call police?

On Friday, March 27, the Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) has received a positive COVID-19 test result from the Rainy River Assessment Centre. The case had travelled to the U.S.A. and upon returning from travel has been in voluntary self-isolation since that time.

Fort Frances' Food Banks are bracing for a rough few weeks, as they watch their shelves slowly empty.

“We've seen a dramatic increase in Food Bank usage," said Arthour Heathcote, Corps officer for the Salvation Army. "I'd say 80 percent of the people we've seen are new people - people we've never seen before.”

Toronto, ON - The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) understands the need for a plan and process for continuous learning for students in Ontario's public education system during the temporary situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

It might have been easy to see coming, but it doen't make the news any easier to swallow.

During his daily press conference at Queen's Park this afternoon, Ontairo Premier Doug Ford announced that students in the province would not be returning to school any earlier than May 4 due to the continuing efforts to “flatten the curve” of COVID-19.

Talking with kids about stressful situations can be difficult. But it's more important to keep the lines open, than to know what to say.

With the surge of COVID-19 into our everyday lives, it's difficult to shelter even the youngest child from its effects, according to Laurel Pirrie, Child and Youth councillor for Firefly.

If you're frustrated by the seemingly never-ending rise in insurance rates, know that you're not alone, and it frustrates the professionals as well.

The Nocturnal Owl Survey is an annual event by the Rainy River Valley Field Naturalists (RRVFN).

An identification workshop to teach new volunteers how to conduct the Owl Survey was forced to be cancelled due to COVID-19. However, anyone not in isolation can go out anjoy the sounds of the forest.

Old School tastes

Netflix - Murdoch Mysteries - 12 Seasons

In Victorian-era Toronto, Inspector William Murdoch uses unconventional scientific methods to crack complex, high-profile murder cases.

Netflix - Miss Fishers murder mysteries - 3 seasons

For the first time in its history, the annual “Spring Fever Days” event in Emo has been cancelled this year due to health concerns and precautions set out amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ever-popular three-day event in the Rainy River District was slated for April 23-25.

Area cattle farmers have been given a tax reprieve, to account for culled herds due to feed shortages.

This year, cattle farmers in Alberton, Chapple, Dawson, Emo, LaVallee, Lake of the Woods, Morley and the unorganized Rainy River region have been added to the list of Tax Deferral Regions by Agriculture and Agri-food Canada.

Devlin, ON - Last week, the Emergency Control Group of the Corporation of the Township of La Vallee has declared an emergency to the Province of Ontario due to Public Health Concerns.

Although it's not the typical bear hunt, youth in Emo are enjoying a teddy bear hunt.

This event was organized be Leeann Galusha, she heard about it from her hometown in St. Augustine River QC.

It's something for kids and families to do during this time of isolation and self distancing.

The Fort Frances Legion ladies' Auxiliary 29 executive has decided to clean house, and local food banks are the ones to benefit.

THUNDER BAY, Ont.—The SIJHL announced last Wednesday its first and second all-star teams for the 2019-20 season.

First Team

THUNDER BAY, Ont.—The SIJHL announced last Wednesday its first and second all-star teams for the 2019-20 season.

First Team

Freddie Calder just couldn't help himself. Puddles are clearly for jumping in, and with warmer weather here, there are plenty available. Time to dust off the rubber boots, splash pants and rain coats.

The return of spring is bringing back some local wildlife, including this little groundhog, spotted outside of town. Ducks, geese, gulls, swans and songbirds have also made their return. If you see some local wildlife, take a picture and send it in to us! We may print it in a future edition.

Ben Teeple and his sorrel horse Trim, left, head out for a ride with Same Teeple, who is riding his dark bay, Rocky. The brothers have been out riding regularly with their parents during the school break, enjoying the spring weather and quiet roads. Time spent outside with those you share a home with, is a great way to beat cabin fever, while staying safe through social distancing.

OAKLAND, Calif. — Oakland Athletics minor league manager Webster Garrison is hospitalized in Louisiana and on a ventilator with the coronavirus, according to his fiance.

Nikki Trudeaux posted her latest update Monday night on social media. She said the 54-year-old former major leaguer still required a ventilator to fight COVID-19 but hadn't declined in his battle.

By Stephen Whyno

The Associated Press

The NHL has extended its guideline for players and staff to self-quarantine until April 15 and it is possible the coronavirus pandemic could push that back even further.

Toronto's ban on city-led events through June 30 does not prohibit sporting events at private facilities.

That means the Maple Leafs and Raptors still could hypothetically play games at Scotiabank Arena and the Blue Jays could play at the Rogers Centre.

Tonight will bring a chance of flurries or rain showers with a low of -2 C (28 F).

Tomorrow will see periods of rain or snow throughout the day turing to rain overnight with a high of eight (46) and a low of two (36).

Friday will see more periods of snow or rain with a chance of snow overnight and a high of six (43) with a low of minus-eight (18).