Fort Frances Times Online Edition - April 29, 2020

On May 7 and 8, FIREFLY is hosting the First Annual FIREFLY Virtual Conference. The conference is a chance for Parents/Caregivers, Educators, the Community and Healthcare Professionals to get together and learn more about the work we do at FIREFLY.

With so many people out of work and businesses suffering, Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP Marcus Powlowski's office has been kept busy with constituents looking for help. The federal government has been trying to accommodate, rolling out a number of programs aimed at mitigating the financial impact of COVID-19.

“The programs have been well received,” said Powlowski.

Riverside Community Counselling Services would like to acknowledge this unprecedented time in our community with the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic. With the current state of emergency and precautions that are in place, we recognize that some families are experiencing extreme stress and a lack of resources.

Under a provincial directive, every staff and resident in Rainycrest Long Term Care home are being tested for COVID-19.

According to Acting Medical Officer of Health for the NWHU Dr. Ian Gemmill, the province-wide act is to provide the medical community with a snapshot of COVID-19 in the LTC system, to prevent an outbreak.

The frogs started singing on Friday so I guess it's time to start on this year's crop.

I went over to Lenard's and dragged my little rototiller out of his shed because my own is too cluttered up with my trike collection to store anything else. Besides Lenard likes using my little tiller. . . like the Littlest Bear's porridge bowl, it's just the right size.

Kasper Transportation notified the Ministry of Transportation that the company will be suspending operations of all routes effective Saturday, May 2, 2020. The decrease in revenue caused by the COVID-19 pandemic makes it financially irresponsible to continue operations at this time.

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP Marcus Powlowski is creating a tri-partisan coalition to draw attention to the plight of remote camp operators in northern Ontario.

Together with Conservative MP for Kenora, Eric Melillo, and NDP MP for Timmins-James Bay, Charlie Angus, the three drafted a letter outlining concerns they've heard from the tourism industry.

Another cattle sale is in the books, and even though it was unusual thanks to COVID-19, it is being seen as a success.

“We were actually quite pleased with our weekend,” said Rainy River Cattlemen's Association member Kim Jo Bliss.

The bees should be buzzing, but with spring taking its own sweet time arriving, there has been little for the bees to buzz about. Normally by this time bees are busy collecting their first loads of pollen from the alders and pussy willows.

Thunder Bay Rainy River MP Marcus Powlowski has expressed his support for the recently announced deal between Bombardier and O-Two Medical Technologies to have Bombardier's Thunder Bay plant take part in the manufacturing of 18,000 e700 ventilators in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

April 9 will always be a special day for John Fuhrer and his family, including wife Maria and children Mathew, Jennifer and Simon. It marks the day John became proud owner of the former Ken's Central Service.

THUNDER BAY- The Student Union of Confederation College Inc. (SUCCI) delivered a live online version of its annual Thunderhawks Athletic Awards Monday. This format offered an important venue to recognize the accomplishments of local and regional athletes and coaches.

The Fort Frances Youth Soccer Board has decided to pull the plug on the upcoming season.

THUNDER BAY, Ont. - Versatile Superior International Junior Hockey League skater Curtis Magas has earned the opportunity to continue his playing career, as well as further his education, as the Dryden GM Ice Dogs captain has committed to attend Selkirk College in British Columbia next season.

THUNDER BAY, Ont. - A trio of Thief River Falls Norskies of the Superior International Junior Hockey League will keep their playing careers going, while also continuing their education in the process.
The Norskies trio of 20-year-old forwards Joe Collins, Isaac Baron and Cory Checco have all earned NCAA Division III opportunities when hockey resumes.

Doug Veldhuisen got a surprise, when his family and friends treated him to a drive-by parade to celebrate his last day of University. Congratulations, Doug! Drive-by parades are gaining popularity as a way to celebrate birthdays, graduations and other milestones, while maintaining social distance.

Brittany Cook, left, and Char Romyn load another donation into their vehicle during Sunset Country Ford and Fort Frances GM's “Spring For Food” food drive that took place last Wednesday. The pair, along with Nicole Katona and Dawn Westover, drove through town to collect donations of non-perishable food items and cash to support local food banks.

Chet Mosbeck and his big brother Axl were enjoying the fresh air with stencils and sidewalk paint. What is your family doing during the COVID-19 crisis to stay safe and active? Take a picture and let us share it with readers! Send your pictures to tips@fortfrances.com.

Last week Riverside's Community Supportive Housing Staff was still able to hold their annual resident chili cook-off, with a few adjustments.

John Fuhrer, here with his wife Maria and children Mathew, Jennifer and Simon, has taken over ownership of the historic garage beside the Circle D. Restaurant in Emo. J.F. Electronics will move into the spot previously held by Ken's Central Service. -Submitted photo

People across the district are getting outside to enjoy the beautiful weather. Above, Gerald Veldhuisen, riding Rikki, along with his daughter, Hannah, on Jake, take a ride across their farm. Left, Waylon Spry holds a silkie chicken on his family's farm. What is your family doing to stay healthy and active, while staying safe during COVID-19?

Prime Minister Trudeau's has confirmed that the government of Canada has reached an agreement with GM where the company will retool its unused plant in Oshawa for the production of much-needed personal protective equipment (PPE) for Canadian workers. The news has been met with approval from Ontario workers' unions, whose members are eager to get back to work.

Tonight will see a few clouds with a low of -1 C (30 F).

Tomorrow will be mainly sunny with cloudy periods overnight and a high of 20 (68) with a low of eight (46).

Friday will bring a mix of sun and cloud with a chance of rain showers or flurries overnight and a high of 16 (61) with a low of six (43).