Local News

By Joanne Neilson
Contributor

The North Branch Community celebrated the opening of their new fire hall on Saturday, June 9, 2007. The new hall, located at North Branch, will augment the Corporation of the Township of Morley Fire Station located in Stratton. The project was over 2 years in the making and boasts a two bay fire hall and a fully equipped fire truck. Visitors were able to view the completed hall before a short opening ceremony where Maury Nielson, councilor for Morley welcomed those present and introduced Fire Chief Ken Haw. Ken Haw gave a brief background of the project and thanked the three volunteer firefighters from North Branch. The fire department is still looking for more volunteers and anyone interested should contact Ken Haw.

By Laura Singleton
Pequana Playhouse

Pequana Playhouse will once again be providing local kids with some summer fun and a chance to shine onstage!
For five years, Pequana has been arranging the funding to bring in Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre, a production company from Barrett, Minnesota that specializes in complete show packages for children to rehearse and perform. In an amazing one week, two energetic and talented young actor/directors lead the kids through a whirlwind of fun-filled practices and finish by mounting two performances for family and friends. The action takes place at the Lake of the Woods School auditorium with scripts, music, costumes and makeup all included. Best of all, the program is free with only a nominal charge for show tickets. Kids aged seven and up are all given roles.

Gr. 8 Boys
Shot Put
1. Damien Stang - Crossroads
2. Tyson McLean - Crossroads
3. Cody Hunsperger - Sturgeon Creek
Shot Roll
1. Tyson McLean - Crossroads
2. D.J. Mosbeck - Sturgeon Creek
3. Bobby Petkau SCAP

News Release
RRHS

With Rainy River High School graduation ceremonies taking place on Wednesday, June 20th, grads are busy planning the 4th annual Chem-Free Grad celebration. Four years ago several students became interested in finding an alternative to the traditional party that takes place on grad night. They wanted an opportunity to celebrate their achievement in a safe and controlled environment that was free of drugs and alcohol.

By Jack Elliott
Correspondent

It stands near the shoreline in the morning mist like a ghost- unmoving, barely visible. Suddenly it’s coiled neck unbends in a lightning strike, plucking it’s breakfast from the shallow waters. It flips the small fish up and down its gullet it goes head first.

News Release
RRDSB

(June 5, 2007) - The Rainy River District School Board has approved the 2007/2008 Balanced Budget of $37,960,097. The Board was faced with the challenge of a 3% decline in enrolment and continued adjustment to the substantial reduction in funding from 2006/2007. Reductions to all budgets across the system were realized in order to balance the budget. The Board will draw $369,266 from reserves for multi-year commitments to the Achievement School Project, Aboriginal Achievement Leader, and transportation. Judy Eluik, Chair of Finance Committee, stated, “This budget continues to support our goal of having students work to the best of their abilities. Thanks go to Laura Mills, our Superintendent of Business, and all the others who had input in the development of this budget.”

By Jeanette Armstrong
Beautiful Bloomers

The “Beautiful Bloomers” our local beautification committee met Thursday, May 31 at Rainy River Activity Depot.

There was an excellent turn out. Plans were made and many ideas brought forward to beautify our town.

News Release
OPP

(Fort Frances, Ontario) On May 30th, officers from the Fort Frances Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police investigated a sudden death.
At approximately 6:00 p.m. an active weather system developed in the Fort Frances area. A lightning strike occurred in the area of the St. Francis Sports Field near a group of youth that were playing. Bryce Devoe, age 13, of Fort Frances was transported by paramedics to LaVerendrye Hospital where he was pronounced dead by medical staff. Children that had been playing in the area at the time of the lightning strike were taken to Hospital as a precautionary measure and treated for minor injuries.

By Ken Johnston
Editor

RRDFL Results and standings as of June 3, 2007
May 29, 2007
Sight and Sound defeated Sabaskong 12-3
Big Grassy at Barwick was postponed until June 7
Stratton defeated Big Island 12-6